The Army-Navy Game is always a form of inspirational story in December each year that generates a kind of attention that captivates the nation for a few days. From the fanfare a few days before the game to the game day itself, when the presidents are commonly VIPs for the game, this time-honored rivalry between two nations’ military teams is a game fit for any Super Bowl. For Bennett and Vivian Levin in 2005, it was an excellent opportunity to use this great sporting spectacle to do something good for the nation’s wounded veterans who returned from the Middle East.

After listening to radio reports of wounded US troops, they said, “We have to let them know we care.” So they decided to organize a trip to bring soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital to the annual Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia on December 3rd. Thus began his inspiring story of helping the underprivileged.

In order for Benneth and Virian, who are self-made millionaires, to host this event, they organized their own rail line by having other interested parties sponsor trains. In all, they obtained another 15 railroad cars to supplement the three railroad cars and two locomotives they owned. They also had Amtrak transport these cars to DC, where they would be attached for the round trip to Philadelphia, and then returned to their owners. Conrail also provided the necessary service for the train which Benneth and Virian named the Liberty Limited. The fact that they managed to put the trains together was an inspiring story in itself.

At the end of the veterans, the couple approached the Commanding General of Walter Reed Hospital through the Army War College Foundation. The general loved the idea of ​​this inspiring story, but he had to agree to certain conditions set forth by the Levins to make this a truly veteran event. There would be no press, media, civilians, Pentagon, or politicians aboard the Liberty Limited. The stage was set for around 90 of these veterans to be honored in the more traditional military fashion.

The War College secured seats in the stadium for the veterans. Corporate donors sponsored goodie bags, equipment, giveaways, etc. A lunch was even provided for attendees who had also enjoyed the luxury service, food and beverages on board the Liberty Limited while traveling to the stadium.

The game itself was a beating for the army, in the usual style, but the veterans soaked up the pleasure and kind acts offered by the Levins and others. It was truly an inspiring story, and it shows that people with money still remember to do their part for those in greatest need. Since then, the Liberty Limited has become a family tradition in the Army Navy Game. It is also one of the few things veterans of the United States military look forward to.

God bless the Levins. And he blesses our troops… each one.