The LA Galaxy's David Beckham spent time with U.S. troops this week when he dropped into the American HQ at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan.
He received a rapturous welcome from the 1st Marines Logistics Group, where he signed scores of autographs and posed for photographs with troops.
“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," Chief Warrant Officer Vincent Endresen said.
The former England captain was visibly moved as he also met men from the Wounded Warriors, many of them on crutches as they recovered from the conflict injuries.
“I am a huge soccer fan, and meeting Beckham is a once in a lifetime experience for me,” said Sgt. Tim Blodgett, who is from North Carolina and in charge of motor transport.
Just over a week ago the camp was hit by a massive blaze that threatened a fuel installation. It was eventually brought under control with the help of British RAF firefighters from the neighboring Camp Bastion.
“It’s a great honor to meet David Beckham," Lance Corporal Ernesto Fernandez said. "This is a fantastic boost for morale at this particular time.”
Navy Lieutenant Sarita Ojha, from California, was also excited to meet the Galaxy star.
“To be honest I don’t know too much about sport, but I do know that David Beckham is very hot,” she said.
U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Trinidad Alvarenga agreed.
“He's absolutely gorgeous and it's fantastic he has taken the trouble to come here," she said. "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 added, “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.”
