By Rich Lamance
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – When the son of an Albemarle woman was serving his country in Iraq, where he had the important task of training the Iraqi National Police, the last thing on his mind was getting an ovation from a crowd of more than 30,000 people.
But for Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Michael C. Gainey, son of Ann Gainey of Midwood Drive in Albemarle, that’s exactly what happened. Gainey was 
one of 85 soldier-heroes representing the U.S. Army during the nationally-televised “All-American” Bowl high school all-star football contest held in the Alamodome. The Army-sponsored game pits the best high school players in the nation in an East versus West matchup.
Gainey, and his fellow soldier-heroes, were chosen to represent the Army based upon receiving either the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star or Purple Heart for action in either Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. During activities in the days leading up to game day, Gainey was involved with the players, as well as other soldier heroes in events such as a skills competition, a river cruise, a barbeque and a banquet held in
their honor.
“My interaction with the players was an experience I will never forget,” said Gainey, a 1998 graduate of North Stanly High School, New London. “I think the players were just as appreciative as the soldiers. Being able to explain that players’ team work is really the same as soldiers’ team work in that, without it, you don’t win games and you don’t complete your mission without it.”
Gainey received the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal while in Iraq from January to December of 2008. “In addition to my combat medals, I 
submitted my thoughts on what I thought ‘Army Strong’ meant, in addition to my story and personal thoughts on being a soldier. I was then selected to attend this amazing event.”
With combat experience and a strong background in mentoring other soldiers, Gainey and his fellow soldier-heroes were given an opportunity to pass along to players many of the values they’ve forged during their Army careers.
“If I could pass on to the players just one of the Army values I’ve learned over the years, it would definitely be respect. I truly believe that if you treat someone with respect it goes a long way in life. You’ll never forget a person you respect.”
Gainey has been in the Army Reserve for 10 years and feels that serving his country is an important way to give back everything the nation has provided for him and his family. “Being a soldier means so much to me. It is an awesome feeling to see
my children sleep peacefully at night and to know I’ve had a part in that. You can’t have a higher honor than knowing you’re defending your country.”
While a standing ovation by the more than 30,000 fans was a huge boost to the 85 men and women who served their country in war, it was far from their thoughts when it came time to put on the uniform and serve.
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