Texas Legends Host Military Night Presented by Swypit.Com, Benefiting
January 24, 2017 - NBA G League (G League)
Texas Legends News Release
FRISCO, TX, (Jan. 24, 2017) - The Texas Legends have partnered with Swypit.com to celebrate their seventh annual military night, benefiting The American Fallen Soldiers Project.
On January 27th, the Legends and Swypit.com will transform the evening's game into a celebration and remembrance of those who are serving and have served in the military.
"We utilize our home games and the custom jersey design to celebrate the heroes and heroic acts of our community," said Dallas Mavericks president/general manager and Legends owner Donnie Nelson. "Our military night is one of our biggest every year because there are none more deserving than those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We look forward to Friday night and a chance to say thank you to all of those who have served and are serving and to recognize the American Fallen Soldiers Project and the generosity of Swypit.com for making it all happen."
During halftime, the American Fallen Soldiers Project will present an original portrait to the family of a local fallen hero. Lt. Matthew Shubzda attended the United States Naval Academy by way of Naaman Forest High School. He was a 27-year old living his dream of being a Navy pilot when his F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed in October of 2002.
"We have three tenets that we stand by," American Fallen Soldier Project co-founder Lisa Taylor said. "The first is to honor the serviceman and his sacrifice; the second is to honor their family; and the third is to remind Americans of the sacrifice that's been made to protect our freedoms. One of the common concerns from the families we serve is that their loved one will be forgotten. We're able to accomplish all of these goals through the public presentations. It helps remind everybody and it also opens their heart a little bit to where they recognize it."
"On the Sunday morning news there's a little 15 second blurb that scrolls across with the names of the Fallen. We're trying to put a face to the name and help people realize that these are real people, real families, real impact and how we all should be proud to be an American."
The Shubzda family will be named "Legends of the Night" at midcourt before the game, all members of the armed forces in the audience will be recognized, and the Legends will take on the Austin Spurs while wearing specialty jerseys designed to honor Lt. Shubzda and his brothers and sisters in arms who keep America safe.
"This night is something we look forward to every year from the moment the previous night is over with," Swypit.com President Kevin Hodes said. "It's an honor to be able to give back to those who sacrifice themselves for people like myself and my family. We utilize the night to honor not just the fallen hero and his family but all of those selflessly sacrificing for our freedom."
Hodes has been involved with the American Fallen Soldiers Project for years, dating back to the days it was known as the Texas Fallen Soldiers Project.
"Phil [Taylor] found a unique way to truly use his talents to give back," Hodes said. "When he does what he does, he brings a sense of peace to these families. Being able to have a venue like this to help them further their cause, and because they're an organization that is funded through donations, that's important for us."
For more information on The American Fallen Soldiers Project visit americanfallensoldiers.com.
The Legends and Spurs will tip off at 7:30pm on Jan. 27th. For tickets or information visit www.TexLegends.com.
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