On Saturday, January 3, 2009, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl will once again feature tomorrow's college and NFL stars in a classic East vs. West match-up at San Antonio's Alamodome. Through the All-American Bowl, the U.S. Army helps shape these future leaders by providing a national forum for these student-athletes to showcase their extraordinary strengths. The second-annual U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, comprised of 97 of the nation’s finest young musicians, will once again perform at halftime of the Bowl.

A U.S. Army All-American selection is an important and prestigious honor for these athletes and musicians. These young men and women truly embody the characteristics of an Army Strong Soldier who demonstrate Strength through Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage on a daily basis. Through "Leadership and Teamwork in Action," the U.S. Army All-American Bowl provides opportunities for these young adults to further develop their own strengths in order to become the leaders of tomorrow. Through the Bowl Week activities, athletes and musicians will spend time with Soldiers from around the country to gain a better understanding of what it means to be an Army Strong Soldier.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is already rich in tradition and history as it features the nation's top high school football players, many of whom have gone on to become college and NFL stars. The growing list of alumni includes current NFL stars Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, and Vince Young, as well as 2007 Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow. There are also more than 80 alums currently playing in the NFL. With the number of elite athletes climbing every year, this year's bowl game should turn out to be the most entertaining to date.