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Michael Buffer, professional ring announcer for boxing and wrestling matches, and his wife Christine visited the United Service Organizations throughout the KMC in December for their second time.
While in the area they visited the Ramstein Air Terminal USO, the 435th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility USO, the Warrior Preparation Center and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
During his visit, Mr. Buffer expressed his support and respect for all servicemembers. He also engaged in light conversation about sports, personalities and Hollywood stars.
“I think it’s great that Michael came back for a second visit. He is a celebrity and well-known among young boxing fans,” said Kaiserslautern USO Director Konrad Braun. “He certainly put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces over the past two days.”
As a Vietnam veteran himself, he understands the importance of such visits, which is why he continues to participate with the USO.
“I served in the Army for three years during the Vietnam war,” Mr. Buffer said. “I remember how much it meant to me when people came to visit us.”
While visiting with servicemembers, Mr. Buffer signed autographs and gave out boxing gloves to all of the patients he met.
“I used to watch the fights he announced,” said Army Sgt. Jose Cruz, from the 4th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, based out of Ft. Carson, Colo. “I can’t believe I met him today. If it weren’t for the autographed glove, my brother would never believe me.”
For many, just having a famous guest around made their day, particularly those who’d seen him announce numerous times.
“It’s good to see someone getting out and seeing us,” said Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Oliver Cooper from Camp Lejeune, N.C. “I remember him doing the announcements for a fight I went to when I was a kid.”
And while KMC members who missed Mr. Buffer’s visit this time can certainly catch a glimpse of him on television, they may be able to catch him in person again as he plans to visit in the future.
“It’s rewarding knowing the little bit of fame I am blessed with is contributing to the morale of troops,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of this.”
