THE WARRIOR TOURS: KEEPING CONNECTIONS OPEN

As overseas troops protect our freedom, razor wire and security posts keep out more than the enemy. Confined to a military base, our soldiers battle daily with limited freedom, isolation and distance from their homes and families. From triple-digit heat to the constant throbbing of the sounds of war – whether military exercises or true exchange of fire – physical and mental stress runs high.

Enter the Warrior Tours – an opportunity for the men and women who sacrifice so much for our peace of mind to enjoy a bit of their own. We take some of America’s best sporting events to the troops, giving them a chance to connect with home while they enjoy a change of pace from the tensions of active duty. It’s a source of physical and mental release that is as good for their bodies as for their spirits.

Overseas Events
A few days before a stateside major event, the Warrior Tours crew and special guests touch down at an overseas military installation, bringing the energy and fanfare of the event to the troops. With plenty of opportunity for celebrity “meet and greets,” lots of “swag”, and the rockin’ good time of a live appearance by bands like CatchPenny, the Armed Forces Entertainers of the Year, it’s a turbo-boost for morale. And, then there is the chance for some friendly competition and de-stressing as the soldiers compete in the base’s own version of the stateside sporting event. We also host interviews, film the race action and record “shoutouts” and dedications from each soldier who has a message for his family, friends, employers and community back home.

Stateside Connections
The Warrior Tour crew returns to the states and shares the photos, videos and audio clips with national and local media outlets and through social networking sites. More important, we integrate the media into the stateside major event so that participants and fans alike are reminded to keep their eyes on the prize that’s even bigger than a race victory or personal best: freedom.

Putting It All Together
The Warrior Tours are all about connections: connecting the troops with home…connecting stateside communities with the faces and personal stories of those who keep them safe…connecting the friends and families of soldiers with a sense of peace and pride that their loved ones are not only okay, but also recognized and respected for their mission of honor…and finally, connecting sporting events that bridge the time and miles until our troops return safely home.

THE WARRIOR TOURS UPCOMING EVENTS
America’s races salutes the troops with 2009 July hosts 
Rob Powers and Bart Yasso.

Message from The Warrior Tours Co-Hosts: Rob Powers and Bart Yasso
We’ve been fortunate to enjoy connections with some of the world’s most prestigious events, including the Olympics. The excitement of working with and competing against some of the most talented and dedicated athletes in the world has been a true honor. Now, though, we share an even greater sense of honor in our roles as co-hosts for the Warrior Tours. We are very proud to help connect servicemen and women with the people whose freedom they ensure through the sport of running. We hope you’ll stay on track with us as we follow the course of those who go the distance for us every day, America’s soldiers!

Rob Powers, America’s Voice of Running since 1988,  is a former U.S. National Team Athlete and Olympic Teams Coach, Former US Armed Forces Sports Program Athlete, who served our country during the 1980′s as a member of the 2-172 Mountain Infantry Brigade. Bart Yasso, Chief Running Officer of Runner’s World Magazine, also dubbed the “Mayor of Running,” is among the few to complete races on all seven continents. He developed the Yasso 800s marathon training schedule and authored My Life on the Run.