Welcome to show day!! We all got up early so we could head to the stadium where WWE's "Tribute To The Troops" Christmas show would be taking place.  

This stadium holds many bad memories because it was where Saddam Hussein's son Uday had the Iraqi national soccer team executed because they lost a game! In fact, Uday was notorious for torturing numerous athletes if they didn't win. Totally disgusting!! Well, as I was standing in the middle of that stadium, I was really happy knowing that the torture was finally over and that Uday was finally gone and couldn't hurt another human being!! 

When showtime came around, everyone was really excited! All the Superstars were pumped to go out and perform for the soldiers, and the soldiers were excited to have a piece of home come to them! As always, I was very emotional inside because I knew I was opening the show with the national anthem. Having the troops surrounding the ring, saluting the flag while I sing those words, truly takes on a whole new meaning! It was a very, very special moment!!!

Well, we finished our show and everything went great!!  It is sad to think that our trip is almost over. Before heading home, we had one last autograph signing to do for the troops that came to the show. It lasted four hours with all the Superstars at one long table. We didn't leave until every last soldier that lined up for an autograph got one! That was the least we could do for these men and women, who put their lives on the line for us everyday.

After the signing, we packed up and got ready to go home. This is when we had a surge of emotions going through us. We are happy to be going home to our loved ones, but we also feel sad that we have to leave these soldiers behind. I just wish they could have all come back with us, however, I do thank them for their bravery!!

I also want to thank the three soldiers that were with my group escorting us around for three days. They are Lt. Jarrod Trujillo, Maj. Todd Bajakian and Lt. Col. Richard Sheetz. They came up with a great schedule to make sure we were able to visit as many troops as possible in a day and took great care of us! Thank you, we had a blast! 

In closing, I can't tell you how proud I feel to be a part of a company that supports the troops like WWE does!  Seeing how happy we made the soldiers, it made my Christmas!! This trip is always a life-changing experience and makes me not take anything for granted. I want to personally thank the troops for touching my life!! I love you very much and your bravery truly makes me proud to be an American!!

Happy Holidays, everyone!! 'Til next year!!

Forever Rockin',
Lilian Garcia

Lilian's photos

Day 3