Yankees' Swisher Spend Thanksgiving Holiday In Afghanistan
Yankees’ star Nick Swisher, and his wife, took some time to honor the troops over the holiday weekend, spending Thanksgiving in Afghanistan.
Swisher married actress Joanna Garcia in 2010 and the trip marked the first vacation for the couple since they exchanged vows.
"Three military officers came to the Yankee locker room and asked if any of us would like to visit the troops. My hand went straight up; I said, 'I'm in.' I knew Joanna would want to go. It will be our first trip since we got married,’ said the baseball player to the New York Post earlier in the year.
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"I come from a military family ... and no matter what your views are, these men and women are out there risking everything for us. I realize how fortunate I have been, so I like to give back at every opportunity I can," the slugger added.
Garcia expressed excitement before leaving on her Afghanistan honeymoon.
"We are both really looking forward to visiting the troops. Yes, it isn't a traditional honeymoon, but it is something we both feel strongly about...We'll probably make a stop in Europe on our way back," said the actress to the New York Post.
The couple visited United States troops at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar province of the war-torn country.
Swisher Tweeted on Friday: "My life has been changed by the amazing troops I met in Germany & Afghanistan...Thank you for your sacrifice & for keeping us safe.''
The couple married in 2010 in a ceremony attended by 350 family and friends. Some of the guests included Cameron Diaz, Alex Rodriguez and other members of the Yankee organization.
Swisher hit .260 with 23 home runs and 85 RBI for the Yankees in 2011. He won a world series with the team in 2009.
Last month, the Yankees picked up Swisher's $10.25 million dollar option for the 2012 season
