LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham spent time last week with US troops in Afghanistan, dropping into the American HQ at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province.
He received a rapturous welcome from the 1st Marines Logistics Group, where he signed scores of autographs and posed for photographs with troops.
The former England captain was visibly moved as he met men from the Wounded Warriors, many of them on crutches as they recovered from the conflict injuries.
Sgt. Tim Blodgett, from North Carolina, in charge of motor transport, said: “I am a huge soccer fan and meeting Beckham is a once in a lifetime experience for me.”
Lance Corporal Ernesto Fernandez said: “It’s a great honor to meet David Beckham – this is a fantastic boost for morale at this particular time.”
Just over a week ago the Camp was hit by a massive blaze, which threatened a fuel installation and was eventually brought under control with the help of British RAF firefighters from neighboring Camp Bastion.
Navy Lieutenant Sarita Ojha from California admitted; “To be honest I don’t know too much about sport, but I do know that David Beckham is very hot.”
Chief Warrant Officer Vincent Endresen added: “This visit has been a tremendous morale boost for us and it shows Mr. Beckham genuinely cares about what is going on here and understands what we are trying to achieve.”
US Marine Staff Sergeant Trinidad Alvarenga added: “He’s absolutely gorgeous and it’s fantastic he has taken the trouble to come here. We haven’t seen many cute guys passing through here – this is the biggest thing since we arrived here three and half months ago”
Staff Sergeant Jennifer Brofer said: “It’s great to see him here and gives us a real change of pace to the routine of our work here. It’s fantastic that he showing support for US troops as well as the Brits— especially as he has seen those who have been injured as well.”
