Jared Allen to visit war zone

[Macken]

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen has a personal reason for participating in a USO tour to visit U.S. troops at bases throughout the Persian Gulf.

"My little brother just joined the Marines, so I want to go over there and check it out before he does," Allen said. "Just trying to be a good big brother."

Ronald Allen Jr. will turn 20 in August, and he's in boot camp now, Jared Allen said.

"I'm excited about this trip, 'cause I have a great respect for all military," Allen said. "And I would love to see everything firsthand."

One of Allen's role models is his grandfather Ray Allen, who was in the Marines for 23 years, rising from a private to a captain.

Jared Allen will be joined on this week's trip by Minneapolis native and Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, New York Giants linebacker Danny Clark and St. Louis linebacker Will Witherspoon.

hes a good dude.. i like to see athletes do stuff like this so they know what some of us go through

 

[A.E]

As somebody who spent time overseas, I can tell you that it means a lot to our troops that athletes and celebrities take the time to come over and show their appreciation.