 
Postcard from the Holiday Bowl: Aaron Lewis
Hey Longhorns fans, Today was our second day in San Diego, but our first day of practice, which was pretty good. We came out and everyone's excited about the Holiday Bowl. For bowl games, in general, there are just a lot of emotions floating around. The coaches are excited and it filters down to the players. Today's practice seemed to go by quickly. We did what we were supposed to do, and I thought we looked great. We looked fast and fresh. The offense looked amazing and the offensive line looked like they were really rejuvenated over the past three days. I'm excited to get out there and see what happens. Last night was our first night back together, and it was kind of hectic, but it was fun. We were with our families over the break, and even though it's only three days, you miss your teammates and want to catch up. You want to see what the other person did. Did they go home? Did they get to hang out with their friends from home? You want to know how their family is. In general, it's just a fun night with everyone coming back. After practice today, we got to attend a luncheon and take a tour aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. Of course, my dad's in the Air Force. I was born and raised in the military, so it was an honor to go onto a Naval ship. It's something you just see in the movies. I got to talk to the helmsman, who drives the ship, and it was pretty cool talking to him as he explained his everyday duties and just about his life, in general. It's fascinating to me, and it's a little different because I've always been around airplanes. It's a hobby for me and my dad to just go out and watch the planes take off on the flight deck, and it's great to be able to go out and see the Navy and Marines do theirs. It was different, but it was awesome. At the luncheon, they gave Coach Rucker the Admiral's Award, which goes to a person who best signifies the team and unselfish dedication. It was great to see him get honored. For all the experiences he's gone through this past year fighting cancer and all the emotion he's gone through with the team, everyone just loves him, and he's a great guy. It was great to be there and I felt really proud to give him a round of applause. I can't even imagine how he felt getting the honor. Also during the lunch Coach Brown called out my name, Roy Miller, Dr. Pana of the medical staff and Bill Little of media relations for all having military ties. As far as for me and Roy, it really wasn't for us. It's to recognize our parents and the sacrifices they've had to make that are above and beyond what a lot of normal parents have to do. Every three or four years, they basically had to start over when we would move. They would have to get us back involved in sports programs, talk to the new coaches and try to keep us going year in and year out. Every time you move, it's starting over. It was really just an honor back to my father and I was grateful for the experience, especially being around so many servicemen and servicewomen like we were today. I know they're going through the same things, and on behalf of the team, we can't thank all of them enough. Tomorrow, we'll practice again in the morning and then go to the zoo, and after that, we'll have a chance to attend Monday Night Football between the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos. The zoo will be fun, and I haven't been to one in a while, but really Monday Night Football is what the team's getting more hyped up about. I haven't gotten to see Tim Crowder in a while or Selvin Young. They try to come back during their bye weeks, but they're also working out and catching up, but I haven't seen them play in real life yet. Hopefully I'll get to shake their hands afterwards and get to say congratulations, but I hope the best for both teams, because we have Longhorns on both sides. That's pretty much all for now from San Diego. I want to wish everyone merry Christmas and happy holidays. Hook 'em
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