Mickey Matthews now knows firsthand that the reach of the so-called "JMU Nation" is global.

James Madison's football coach recently returned from a ten-day visit with U.S. troops in Qatar and Afghanistan.

During his trip, Matthews said he encountered a handful of soldiers with James Madison University ties.

"One guy in particular, he knew who the second-team left guard was on offense," Matthews said Tuesday with a laugh. "It was obvious he kept up with us."

Matthews was one of five college coaches to make the morale-boosting visit. He said what impressed him most was the positive attitudes of the soldiers he met.

"No one's chaining them to stay over there," he said. "They don't like being in Afghanistan, but they like being in a military situation and representing us over there."

Matthews called the trip "an eye-opening experience."

"There were a hundred reasons not to go, and only one reason to go. To go see those kids over there who are representing us," he said. "They're a long way from home. I just thought it was the right thing to do."