“I saw the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which John Cena has been a huge part of, the ambassador in a way, and I saw the passion in that,” Sheamus said. “Then Be a STAR to help put an end to bullying. And more positive influences that we try to do to make positive changes, especially when you have the core foundation of family and kids from our PG-product.”

“WWE Tribute To The Troops” is 9 p.m. EST Wednesday, Dec.19 on the USA Network and 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22 on NBC. It marked the first time in its 10-year history that the show was filmed at a U.S. NAVY installation.

“I was aware of the Tribute To The Troops show that happens every year when WWE was going overseas,” Sheamus said. “I was kind of blown away by that because the superstars were going overseas to Iraq and other potentially dangerous areas and risking their lives to pay tribute to the U.S. troops who keep them safe and allow them and everyone else in this country to live their lives freely without any fear.”

Sheamus, also known as the Celtic Warrior, respects his homeland and new home land.

“Ireland is a neutral country. It’s a different way of thinking over there,” Sheamus said. “The United States has a huge influence in Ireland. Every time the United States military goes overseas, a lot of times they’ll stop at airports in Ireland and then travel on. I remember a couple of times they stopped off in Ireland, refueled and went to Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever they needed to go.”

Sheamus, a 6-4, 267-pound strongman, understands the principles of America.

“It’s a different mindset [compared to Ireland],” he said. “The United States goes out and does everything it can to protect the freedom of not just the people in this country but the freedom of people all over the world. The United States is the big brother, the one who’s looking out for everybody.”

• About the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) which Sheamus visited during “WWE Tribute To The Troops.”

The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) is the 10th and final nuclear propelled Nimitz-class supercarrier of the United States Navy. Home-ported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., the carrier is named for the 41st President of the United States and former Director of Central Intelligence George H.W. Bush, who was a naval aviator during World War II.

Sheamus also spent time with the U.S. military on the USS Porter (battleship) and USS Boise (submarine).

“Our ships are great, our airplanes, our submarines are great. There’s no doubt about that. We have some pretty neat technology, but at the end of the day it’s all about the people,” said U.S. Rear Admiral Tim Alexander, Commander, U.S. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. “I think the opportunity for the WWE folks to meet our Sailors, to see them in their workplaces and to learn a little bit about what they do, and then for our Sailors and their families, who are big [WWE] fans, to have multiple opportunities to meet the folks in WWE and to talk to them, to get autographs and to do all the things that they enjoy doing was a huge hit.”

Sheamus said: “I’m from Ireland, but I reside in the United States of America. This country has given me the greatest of opportunities. It’s given me a chance to live my dream with WWE, and all these men and women protect us, make sure my life and home is protected.