“God bless you, thank you for fighting for this country… the red white and blue, there’s nothing better than this country, America – you guys are great, thank you so much… from the bottom of my heart.”

– Floyd Mayweather

Las Vegas, NV (Sept. 5)… While Americans were preparing to celebrate the Labor Day holiday this past Friday, our troops overseas who work tirelessly to protect our country, received a virtual visit from another hard working individual. In recognition of their bravery and dedication, boxing’s biggest star, Floyd Mayweather, busy training for his September 17 championship fight against Victor Ortiz, took the time early Friday morning in Las Vegas (2:00 a.m. PT, 2:00 p.m. AFT) to Skype with the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke at Forward Operating Base Salerno in Khowst Province, Afghanistan. Mayweather spoke to the troops for almost two hours, answering questions and delighting the group with a special tour of the “Big Boy” mansion.

“When the troops asked me to Skype with them, I was honored to say yes,” said Mayweather. “They are over there sacrificing everything for me, my family and our country’s freedom. I know I am training hard for my fight against Victor Ortiz, but their dedication and the training they go through to protect us is the biggest championship fight of them all.”

Below please find a story and photos posted on the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (a 24 hour news service for military serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain) written by Maj. Travis Dettmer. Dettmer was on hand for the Skype session.

Note: A special thank you to Spc. John Martinez for working tirelessly to arrange the Skype session. His story about the chat can be found on Box Score World Sportswire by clicking HERE.