FOX Sports Florida Girl Annilie visits troops in Germany

From February 5-7, FOX Sports Florida brought “Spring Training to the Troops” of the U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr in Germany. Attendees included current MLB players, Hall of Fame legends, FOX Sports broadcasters and the FOX Sports Girls. Below is a narrative from Annilie, who represented FOX Sports Florida, on her experience during the trip.
Coming from a military family, it was a big deal for me to go on this trip. My nieces are currently in the navy and my dad and uncle were both Marines. My grandfather fought in WWII and I have ancestors that have fought in every war dating back to the Revolutionary War. Because of these strong military ties, I was honored to be able to visit the troops in Grafenwoehr. 
The first joy I experienced on the trip was the snow. The second I stepped off the bus I was in it. Being a Florida girl, I’d never seen snow before. I was ecstatic! Everyone was looking at me like I was crazy and like it wasn’t a big deal, but I was so happy. I felt like a little kid. Little did I know, I would have to do push-ups in it the next morning. 
It was incredible to see what these soldiers have to go through every day. They have to wake up at 5 a.m. for physical training and then have to go to work right after. Training with them was definitely hard work- and we didn’t even do it full throttle like they do every day. It showed me firsthand how hardworking and determined these troops are.
There were a couple of times throughout the trip where I had to pinch myself because I couldn’t believe what was happening to me. The first was during the wiffle ball game. Not many people know this, but I had never played wiffle ball before, so I was just happy I didn’t get picked last! I was on the Military Police (MP) team and had Wade Boggs standing behind me giving me pointers while David Justice threw the pitch. I couldn’t believe I got to play with such talented people. The second time was on the final day of the trip when I got to ride in a Stryker. It was insane! Orestes Destrade was with me and I got to sit in the portal and poke my head out of the top. I thought to myself, “No civilian gets to do this!” That was the highlight of my trip. 
I was so sad to leave Germany. The trip seemed to fly by. It was truly a blessing to be able to meet the soldiers and see what they do on a day-to-day basis. A few of the troops were so happy when they found out I was from Florida because they were from here or have family members here. The soldiers were so thankful that we came out to visit them, which was crazy because we came to thank them for the sacrifices they make every day. I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to visit a place I never thought I would and to be able to shake the hands of the men and women who dedicate their lives for us. It was truly an amazing experience.