Wounded Warrior

The events of Jan. 9, 2011, are literally etched in the body of Sgt. First Class Allen Wiseman. On a blustery night near the treacherous mountains of an undisclosed location in the Middle East, enemy fighters shot SFC Wiseman in the left shoulder while his troop executed a mission for Operation Enduring Freedom. Though fire had befallen the unit – whose name and objectives are highly classified – ultimately, the assignment was deemed a success. For his courageous efforts – many of which cannot be detailed due to security purposes – SFC Wiseman was awarded the Purple Heart, a military decoration given in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving. A Tour Tradition This specific tour of duty marked the fifth for SFC Wiseman, a 14-year serviceman and Maryland native. And to maintain a connection with his favorite football team, he had made a habit of bringing several Ravens jerseys overseas each time he was deployed. All with the hope of displaying purple pride – if given an opportunity to watch on Sundays – SFC Wiseman had become accustomed to donning the jersey of the player he felt needed to “step up the most” during a particular game. Come playoff time, however, the only jersey he would break out was his most-prized – a throwback Ray Lewis he received for Christmas in 2000 and was wearing when Baltimore won Super Bowl XXXV. Coincidentally, that Jan. 9, 2011 life-changing night also marked the Ravens’ wild card matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. And because of the jersey tradition he had established, SFC Wiseman came up with an idea prior to his mission that would keep him from breaking his Ravens ritual. “I knew it was going to be a busy night and didn’t think I was going to make it back in time for the game,” he recalls. “So, I planned on wearing my jersey under all my kit and body armor.” However, SFC Wiseman’s plans were foiled when his troop was forced into action faster than expected. As the mission’s events quickly unfolded, his team was “spun up,” and he never had an opportunity to put on that familiar No. 52. “In a way, I’m glad I didn’t wear it, because my medic had to cut everything off me after I was shot, and it would have been all covered in blood,” Wiseman explains. “The jersey would have been ruined. However, a part of me wishes I would have worn it.” And here’s why… A Note of Inspiration This past August, I received an email from SFC Wiseman. It was riveting and emotional. In short, the sole purpose was to share his startling story and explain why he’s a devoted Ravens fan. He also wanted to describe what prompted him to contact me, specifically noting the following: “Our opening game this season means a lot to me for several reasons. First, the obvious reason being that it’s against the Steelers. Secondly, it will be a home game. However, the main reason this game means so much to me is the date it is being played on – 9/11.” SFC Wiseman then specified how he was wounded in battle and described why he’s glad he wasn’t wearing his Ray Lewis jersey the night he was shot. He then offered this: “However, a part of me wishes I would have worn it. I would have washed the blood off and mailed it with a hand-written letter of what happened to you guys and asked you to give it to Ray for me. “I wanted to share with you my story, and [ask] if you could get word back to the coaches and the guys that I appreciate all they do and their support for the troops. … I will be wearing my Purple Heart on my Purple Jersey. Go Ravens.”



Powerful. To say the least. An Unexpected Gift Inspired immensely by his email, that week I contacted SFC Wiseman to thank him for his service and for revealing his remarkable account. I also asked that he send me his No. 52 threads, and I told him I’d share his story with Ray and have the jersey autographed. Upon receiving a package in the mail several weeks later, I noticed that its contents contained more than just a jersey. Also included was a blue box with a military seal embossed on the front. When I opened it, I was shocked to see what was inside. A Purple Heart. I contacted SFC Wiseman as fast as I possibly could. Perplexed, I initially thought he must have sent the prestigious medal as proof that he had been wounded in action. But when I asked why he included his Purple Heart with the jersey, his reply was surprising and succinct: “It’s a gift for Ray.” Later that week, following our win at St. Louis, I shared SFC Wiseman’s story with Ray before practice in the training room. I detailed the entire account. With his eyes growing larger each time I’d explain more, it was quite obvious that Ray was captivated by it all. Upon seeing the Purple Heart and realizing that it was a gift intended for him, Ray – with a sense of genuine awe that only Ray can display – repeated one word over and over: “Wow. Wow. Wow.” Soon thereafter, word of SFC Wiseman’s story and generous offering quickly spread throughout our building. In fact, during a team meeting prior to our victory over the New York Jets that week, Coach John Harbaugh retold the account, using it to deliver a message of inspiration and unity to every player and coach. A Special Visit To honor SFC Wiseman for his heroic service and for being a symbol of fortitude, we invited him to attend practice at our training facility on Oct. 22. Once the session concluded, Coach Harbaugh summoned the soldier to mid-field and asked that he share his remarkable story. After he finished and broke down the huddle with a resounding “Ravens!!!” cheer, SFC Wiseman was approached by many players and coaches – all offering encouragement and expressions of gratitude. However, one particular encounter outshined the rest. “When I turned around and saw Ray Lewis, I was just mesmerized,” SFC Wiseman recalls. “I can’t even describe it. It was such a surreal experience.” Exchanging words of appreciation and praise, the two embraced one another for several minutes. It was a moment that elicited emotion from everyone who watched it unfold. “Just surreal,” SFC Wiseman adds. “To actually see Ray face-to-face, it feels like you’re in a dream. It doesn’t seem like it can be real. You say to yourself, ‘There’s no way I’m standing in front of, in my eyes, the greatest defensive player to ever play the game.’ “The way he motivates, guides and mentors the veterans and the young guys – on and off the field – is so amazing to me. What he does for the community and everybody around him is just unbelievable. I’ve never met anybody or even seen anybody like that in my life. He has so much passion for just everything about life.” At one point during their visit, Ray handed SFC Wiseman a present. It was the jersey Lewis had worn during the Ravens’ win at St. Louis just several weeks prior. “You gave me your Purple Heart, and this is my Purple Heart for you,” Lewis stated. “It was textbook Ray Lewis, and I would expect nothing less,” SFC Wiseman affirms. “When it’s time to motivate and to inspire, he’s going to come up with the right thing.” Undoubtedly. But no more so than the soldier who earned – and gave – his Purple Heart. The author of this story, Patrick Gleason, is the Ravens Public/Media Relations Manager. Tags: Purple heart, Ray Lewis Comment on this entry below