By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

Aaron Smith made the trip to Washington, D.C. as a teenager, seeing all of the sights, visiting the key locations and learning a little more about American history.

"We went to the monuments and the White House," remembered Smith. "It was something else. We weren't there long. At the White House it was from outside. I was looking through the fence.

"Just to see all of the history and tradition was great. I love this country and to see all of that was really special."

Jerame Tuman has made the trip there before as well. Tuman was a member of the University of Michigan football team that won the 1997 National Championship and was invited to visit the White House.

But when the Steelers visit the White House on Friday, it is going to be a real thrill for the two of them, as both can't wait for the opportunity to meet President George W. Bush.

"I am looking forward to it," said Tuman. "It's a very exciting thing. Not only does it celebrate our championship, our Super Bowl win, but it's also a chance to go and meet the President. That is very exciting."

"It will be more special this time," added Smith. "This time I get to go inside."

Tuman and Smith both have a goal for when they get to the White House – to stand next to the President and have their photo taken with them.

"We have some inside connections at the Steelers, trying to work on their connections at the White House," Tuman joked. "We are trying to see what we can get done. We'll see what comes of it."

Smith and Tuman have even been having a friendly battle over which one should get to stand next to the President. 

"If I get the chance to even touch him, just shake his hand, I will be happy," said Smith, who jokingly didn't rule out having to push Tuman out of the way if necessary. "It's all free game when we get there."

Both know, though, that there might be a few other people who get the honor of standing next to the President – most notably Dan Rooney, Art Rooney, II and head coach Bill Cowher.

"The chance of that happening is probably pretty good," said Tuman. "If not them, then there are probably people ahead of us that could make it next to him.

"We are going to do our best to get in close somewhere around him. We are very big supporters. We should have some standing among the team. We want to get close to him or at least try to get our picture taken with him."

While wild horses won't be able to keep Smith away from the trip to the White House, there is one thing that might.

"It will be interesting because my wife is due on June 9," said Smith, whose wife Jaimie is expecting their third child. "It depends on what is going on with her. I am hoping to make it to the White House and the ring ceremony. I am trying to get her to hold off on it. Either way I will be happy."

The trip will be a quick one for the team. It will be strictly going to the White House and then heading right back to Pittsburgh. A few players, though, will arrive in Washington early and visit injured military members at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.