AUSA Military Heroes Night set for Saturday
July 12, 2005 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Tennessee Valley Raptors News Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The Tennessee Valley Raptors will have a new look when they host the Omaha Beef at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Von Braun Center.
The Raptors will wear camouflage jerseys as part of Association of the U.S. Army Military Heroes Night and the promotion will help kick off Armed Forces Week.
In addition, the first 1,500 men 18 and over will receive 60-inch Raptors Golf Umbrellas compliments of Geico, University Fitness Center and WHNT TV-19.
The players' jerseys will be silently auctioned during the game with a live action taking place at its conclusion. All proceeds will benefit AUSA, which provides support for the Army through various programs and sponsorships.
There will also be Army displays and activities during the event, including a special coin toss that will honor Bronze Star Medal with "Valor" award winner Specialist Michael Acquaviva.
Starting at 5 o'clock in Raptor Park, the Army will showcase some of its finest hardware including Avenger and IFTE displays.
"We're dedicating the night to the military and the people overseas who are protecting us,'' Raptors owner Art Clarkson said. "We are celebrating because it's those people who are defending our country and our way of life. It's because of them that we have the right and privilege to put on events like this throughout the United States."
Acquaviva, a member of COA, 279th Signal Battalion of Huntsville, a National Guard Unit, is a perfect example. At the time of the incident - April 4, 2004 -, he had been assigned to the 711th Signal Battalion and was stationed at Camp Golf, which was located just inside the city of An Najaf, Iraq.
The camp came under heavy fire from Mahdi Militia during the morning hours and the situation intensified steadily with American and coalition forces outnumbered 30 to 1.
Acquaviva took up a defensive position on the roof of a security building near the camp entrance with his M-249 (Squad Automatic Weapon) and engaged the enemy in the first moments of the fight.
The personnel on the roof suffered three casualties and with absolute disregard for his life, Acquaviva exposed himself to the enemy fire and provided first aid to an American Army officer and also to a coalition soldier. Later, he provided covering fire for evacuation of the wounded and assumed and manned another covering position to well after midnight.
"Our Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of AUSA is proud to sponsor the Military Heroes Night with the Raptors,'' local chapter president Emily Vandiver said.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize all military heroes who have so honorably served their country. It is because of the sacrifices they have made that we are able to enjoy the freedoms in our country. We want to thank everyone: Active, Veterans, Retirees, Army Reserve, National Guard, and their families for all their service to this nation. As President of our local AUSA Chapter, it is my privilege to join in this unique partnership to support our military heroes in our community."
AUSA is a private, nonprofit, educational association of individual, business and organization members dedicated to supporting and maintaining a strong national defense with emphasis on the role of the United States Army. It supports the needs and interest of all components of the Total Army - Active Duty, Army Reserve, National Guard, Department of the Army Civilians, retirees and family members.
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United Indoor Football Association Stories from July 12, 2005
- Raptors to wear camouflage jerseys - Tennessee Valley Raptors
- AUSA Military Heroes Night set for Saturday - Tennessee Valley Raptors
- "Storm Chasers" Travel to Sioux City - Sioux Falls Storm
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