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When tasked to describe the feeling she gets each year from taking part in honoring the United States military, Stephanie McMahon admits she has trouble.Its not that the WWEs chief brand ambassador is at a loss for words to try. In fact, she often repeats herself in echoing such heartfelt sentiments as honor and pride, gratitude and privilege. But McMahon will tell you herself that words dont do it justice -- not after the experiences she has been privy to.When it comes to visiting wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, or laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, there simply are no words.I cant describe to you that feeling of humility to be able to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives defending our freedom, McMahon told ESPN.com. Basically, its a privilege, and thats how WWE looks at it. Its the least that we can do to say thank you to the servicemen and women and their families who sacrifice so much.The WWEs commitment to the military began long before its first Tribute to the Troops card in 2003 at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, an idea that spawned from a conversation between former superstar John Bradshaw Layfield and WWE chairman Vince McMahon. The annual event now serves as an epicenter of sorts for the companys charitable mission as a whole.The 14th annual Tribute to the Troops card takes place Tuesday night at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. (airing Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network), with WWE providing tickets for military members and their families in attendance. The pro wrestling card caps a busy day that includes WWE superstars visiting all five branches of the military at seven different bases, along with hosting a Be a STAR Rally (Show Tolerance and Respect) for more than 1,000 students at nearby Fort Meade.Current NXT superstar Kenneth Crawford has seen these events from both sides. After serving four years with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in the U.S. Marines and attending WWE shows as a serviceman, he is now an active member of the companys partnership with Hire Heroes USA and a regular visitor to veterans hospitals.In my personal opinion, [WWE] represents and appreciates military more than any other company out there, Crawford said. They take the time to reach out to a base or VA hospital and that speaks volumes to us because there are so many service members, and when you watch superstars coming in who you grew up appreciating, they thank you. But in retrospect its like you are thanking them for entertaining you for so many years.The Big Show, a willing regular on Tribute to the Troops shows since the beginning, believes he brings a little piece of America to the military members he visits. Its the least he can do, he said, to show them the respect he holds for their sacrifices. Raised in South Carolina, the Big Show describes his childhood home as very patriotic. His father, a mechanic, served in the Air Force, as did the Big Shows grandfather, a veteran of World War II. His mother was a police officer. Even today, the Big Shows 19-year-old daughter, a college student, serves in the Air Force ROTC.It just puts everything in perspective, he said, of visiting with servicemen and women. I brighten their day. I interact with them. Just their courage and their commitment -- their excellence -- its so inspiring. These guys are really out there putting freedom forward and putting life and limb on the line for me to enjoy the things that I enjoy.The Big Show acknowledged a kinship of sorts thats often naturally present between WWE superstar and military service member. Although their vocation is far different, the common bond of dedication is felt immediately.?My job is a little bit different. My commitment to duty is my schedule and the demands I keep up with, he added. But its the same with these young men and women. Their commitment to excellence in their line of duty is inspiring.I think I have it tough -- man, Im a cupcake compared to what they have.Crawford, who served from 2008 to 2012 and was stationed at Camp Pendleton outside San Diego, echoed those similarities, citing the dedication and discipline needed in both vocations to be successful.Coming from both sides, the dedication in the military spectrum is going out and serving your country and not knowing whats next, Crawford said. Traveling, putting in the training, being away from family -- its the same aspect that we have as WWE superstars. Sustaining the injuries and knowing how to fight through it to obtain the goal that you want to obtain.In April, Crawford spent time over WrestleMania weekend in Dallas helping veterans prepare for the often difficult adjustment back to civilian life through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Its an initiative that hits home for Crawford, who found himself in a similar position after leaving the Marines.Crawford, who signed with WWE in April 2015, hopes to one day appear as a performer on a Tribute to the Troops card as a way to inspire his fellow veterans.Just for the troops to see someone who came from the same background, doing something to let them know I can serve my country and attain my dream, he said. Myself, I served my country and wanted to become a professional wrestler. By me doing that, I think I could give them hope, like maybe they could do the same thing one day.To describe WWEs support of the armed forces as a company passion might not do it justice. Theres an all hands on deck mentality to Tribute to the Troops that very much starts at the top, evidenced not only by Vince McMahon visiting military bases in the Middle East on Christmas day over the years but his willingness to absorb finishing moves from Stone Cold Steve Austin and John Cena (while dressed as Santa Claus) to the delight of the active-duty members in attendance.It is my greatest honor to support our servicemen and women, and we do it in the best way we know how, and that is to entertain them and make them smile, Vince McMahon said. But what servicemen and women may not realize is that we are the ones who are profoundly changed after meeting them. Their courage and bravery is truly inspirational.Vince McMahon learned the pro wrestling business from his father, Vincent J. McMahon, who served with the Coast Guard in World War II. But the younger McMahon spent the majority of his youth raised by his mother in humble circumstances in North Carolina, where Stephanie McMahon believes the roots of her familys patriotism were born.My father grew up in an 8-foot-wide trailer and didnt have any indoor plumbing, she said. Through hard work and perseverance and the opportunities provided by our great nation, he and my mom were able to build this billion-dollar global brand. That is living the American dream; that is the epitome of living the American dream. They couldnt do that without our nations military defending our right to do so and making us the greatest nation in the world.As imposing a shadow as WWEs top executives and larger-than-life talent cast while performing on the bright stage of sports entertainment, theres a transformation of approachability that happens at events such as Tribute to the Troops, which often features superstars taking part in training competitions and drills.No matter where the events are, the Big Show loves to tag along -- when he can. Despite collegiate options in basketball, the Big Show strongly considered joining the Marine Corps after high school until being talked out of it as a 7-foot, 313-pound senior.I was just too big, he said. I was too big for the equipment to ride in, the equipment to wear. So the recruiter actually advised me it probably wouldnt have been a good life for me, which Im kind of sad about because I think I would have had a good time. But hes probably right.The Big Shows size also got in the way years later while visiting the Persian Gulf with WWE on a Handshake Tour: He wasnt allowed on an aircraft carrier for safety reasons.The Department of Defense wouldnt let me go because I was too big for the ship, he said, following it up with a deep chuckle. I got left out of the reindeer games.Both Stephanie McMahon, who serves as a member of USO Metros board of directors, and the Big Show agreed that there was nothing more emotional or inspiring as part of their annual trip than visiting the wounded warriors, some of whom have lost limbs in battle.You talk to them and all they want to do is get back to defending our freedom, Stephanie McMahon said. They want to get back to the front lines, they want to get back to their job. It has always just absolutely blown me away. There is no feeling sorry for yourself. It is all about getting back to doing their job and defending the country that they love.The Tribute to the Troops card is emanating from the nations capital for the first time. For the Big Show, it adds an extra layer of significance.If you are in Washington, D.C., and youre not patriotic, you are in the wrong place, he said. I look forward to a fantastic show and really busting my big butt to put on the best performance I can to say thank you.Boston Red Sox Pro Shop . Paul Pierce couldnt believe he missed at the end. Young scored a season-high 26 points to spark a huge effort from the leagues most productive bench, and Los Angeles beat the Brooklyn Nets 99-94 on Wednesday night after blowing a 27-point lead. Red Sox Jerseys 2019 . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. https://www.cheapredsox.com/ . Tracey comes to the Blue Bombers after spending over a decade with Queens University. Most recently he was the schools assistant football coach. Red Sox Jerseys China .com) - Manchester City midfielder David Silva is expected to miss the next four weeks because of a calf problem. Boston Red Sox Store . He was followed closely by David Clarkson, donning red, seconds later. Clarksons actions one night earlier, leaping off the bench in defence of Kessel during a pre-season game against the Buffalo Sabres, will cost him the first 10 games of the regular season.EUGENE, Ore. -- The Latest on the run-up to the Summer Olympics (all times local to Rio de Janeiro):10:48 p.m.Defending Olympic champion Gabby Douglas bid for a return to the games remains up in the air during the final night of the Olympic Trials.Douglas was a shaky seventh during the opening night on Friday after falling on balance beam. She fell again on the beam Sunday night, taking some of the momentum out of solid performances on vault and uneven bars at San Joses SAP Center.Douglas is attempting to become the first reigning Olympic all-around gold medalist to return for the next games since Nadia Comaneci in 1980.The five-woman team will be announced later Sunday night.---10:33 p.m.Brenda Martinez was laying on the track, her head buried in her hands.She seemed prepared for heartache again at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials. She tripped after she charged around the final turn of the 800 meters on Monday, missing out on a top-three finish and a coveted spot on the Olympic team for Rio.She had one more chance to make the team in the 1,500 meters. Jenny Simpson and Shannon Rowbury grabbed the top two spots, and Martinez and Amanda Eccleston leaned for third before collapsing.Martinez appeared to sob, unable to look at the results on the scoreboard at Hayward Field. But Simpson was watching intently.Once it was official, Simpson ran to Martinez and scooped her into her arms.Im so proud of you, Simpson said. Im so proud of you.Martinez had edged Eccleston by .03 seconds.Maybe that can be my story, Martinez said about finally making the team. If I can help someone along the way: Dont give up on your dream.---10:08 p.m.Simone Biles is closing in on an automatic spot on the U.S. Olympic womens gymnastics team.The three-time world champion opened the final night of Olympic Trials with a solid 15.550 on floor exercise despite taking a small step out of bounds during her dynamic routine. Biles has a total of 77.4 points through five rotations, nearly two points clear of Laurie Hernandez.The top finisher in the all-around is guaranteed a spot on the five-woman Olympic team. The other four positions will be selected at the end of competition on Sunday night.---9:40 p.m.QUALIFICATION ALERT: Matthew Centrowitz made his second Olympic team with a victory in the 1,500 meters at the U.S. Track and Field Trials on Sunday. Centrowitz finished fourth at the London Games. Runner-up Robby Andrews and third-place finisher Ben Blankenship also are headed to Rio. Leonel Manzano, the silver medalist in the London Olympics, finished fourth and did not make the team.---9:31 p.m.QUALIFICATION ALERT: Beijing Olympics silver medalist Kerron Clement won the 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. Track and Field Trials to earn a spot on the team for the Rio Games next month. Runner-up Byron Robinson and third-place finisher Michael Tinsley, the silver medalist at the London Olympics, also earned spots on the team.---9:30 p.m.Retired Lakers star Kobe Bryant posed for photos at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials ahead of watching Gabby Douglas and other American stars try to secure their spots for the Rio Olympics.His guide for the night at San Joses SAP Center? None other than Nadia Comaneci.Just hanging out with Nadia and checking out some gymnastics, Bryant said.---9:25 p.m.There will be no Olympic double for Allyson Felix.Beaten to the line by 0.01 seconds for third place by a diving Jenna Prandinni, Felix finished fourth in the 200 meters at Olympic trials and will not be able to defend her title.ddddddddddddAlso off the table -- the 200-400 Olympic double. With Felix in mind, Olympic organizers changed the schedule to allow for the womens 2-4 double. Felix qualified last weekend for the 400, but had been dealing with a sore right ankle and could not make it in her signature event.Tori Bowie and Deajah Stevens finished first and second.Honestly disappointed, you know?---9:15 p.m.QUALIFICATION ALERT: Tori Bowie won the womens 200 meters at the U.S. Track and Field Trials to earn her first trip to the Olympics. Runner-up Deajah Stevens will also make her Olympic debut as will Jenna Prandini, who upset favorite Allyson Felix by 100th of a second for third.---9:10 p.m.QUALIFICATION ALERT: Jenny Simpson earned a spot on her third Olympic team with a victory in the 1,500 meters at the U.S. Track and Field Trial. Runner-up Shannon Rowbury also made her third Olympic team, and third-place finisher Brenda Martinez will also go to the Rio Games next month.---9:05 p.m.QUALIFICATION ALERT: Erik Kynard, who won the silver medal in the high jump at the London Games, won the event at the U.S. Track and Field Trials to earn a spot in the Rio Games next month. Third-place finisher Bradley Adkins also earned a spot on the Olympic team. Runner-up Kyle Landon had not jumped the minimum height, or standard, to compete in the Olympics.---9 p.m.It wouldnt have mattered if Molly Huddle celebrated this one early.Huddle finished well ahead of the pack to win the 5,000 meters at the U.S. Track and Field Trials on Sunday at Hayward Field.The American record-holder in the event finished in 15 minutes, 5.01 seconds. Huddle also won the 10,000 meters at the Trials last weekend to earn a spot on the U.S. team for the Rio Games next month.Last year at the world championships in Beijing, Huddle celebrated too early in the 10,000-meter race, costing her the bronze medal.This will be Huddles second Olympic appearance -- she finished 11th in the 5,000 at the London Games.She said this week shell likely focus on the 5,000 alone in Brazil.---8:40 p.m.QUALIFICATION ALERT: American record holder Molly Huddle earned a spot on the Olympic team by winning the 5,000 meters at the U.S. Track and Field Trials. Shelby Houlihan and Kim Conley also made the team for the Rio Games.---8:40 p.m.QUALIFICATION ALERT: Jenn Suhr will get to defend her Olympic gold medal in the pole vault after winning the event at the U.S. Track and Field Trials. Runner-up Sandi Morris and third-place finisher Alexis Weeks also qualified for a spot on the Olympic team in Rio.---8:24 p.m.New Jersey prep star Sydney McLaughlin became the first 16-year-old in 40 years to make the U.S. Olympic track team with a third-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles on Sunday at the U.S. Track and Field Trials.McLaughlin joins winner Dalilah Muhammad and runner-up Ashley Spencer on the team headed to Rio. Muhammad, the silver medalist at the 2013 world championships in Moscow, finished in 52.88 seconds.McLaughlins time of 54.14 was a junior world record. She will be a senior at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, next fall.The last 16-year-old to make the team was 100-meter hurdler Rhonda Brady in 1976. ' ' '