Staff Sgt. Mark Mercer (right), Army Reserve Drill

Staff Sgt. Mark Mercer (right), Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year, counts push-ups for Jeffrey Simmons (left), All-American Bowl East player from Noxubee High School in Macon, Miss., during the All-American Challenge events, Jan. 5, 2016. The event featured push-up, sit-up, and eating competitions between East-West All-American Bowl players, and band members. This event is part of a week long of engagements of celebrating the nation’s largest and premier high school all-star football game. The players and musicians of the bowl are granted the opportunity to wear the Army colors by demonstrating their dedication to team, community, and excellence.