Boston Celtics' mascot 'charms' Natick Soldier Systems Center

By Bob Reinert, USAG-Natick Public AffairsDecember 12, 2014

Celtics' mascot 'charms' Natick Soldier Systems Center
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Celtics' mascot 'charms' Natick Soldier Systems Center
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Celtics' mascot 'charms' Natick Soldier Systems Center
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NATICK, Mass. (Dec. 11, 2014) -- Given the time of year and his attire, the Soldiers and civilians at the Natick Soldier Systems Center could be forgiven if they rubbed their eyes Dec. 11 after momentarily thinking that they had just seen an elf at the base.

Actually, the diminutive visitor sporting the shamrock-accented costume turned out to be "Lucky the Leprechaun," the team mascot of the hometown Boston Celtics, who was touring Natick as part of a Department of Defense/National Basketball Association initiative known as "Commitment to Service."

This collaboration between DOD and the NBA features Service members and athletes voluntarily working side-by-side to serve and improve communities throughout the U.S. The effort's four "pillars" include community, health, leadership and transition.

In introducing Commitment to Service earlier this year, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke of the initiative's great potential.

"Through 'Commitment to Service,'" said Dempsey, "we can help others understand the military, continue to find innovative ways to address the needs of communities in which we live and work, and foster a spirit of service across the country."

Lucky arrived at Natick wearing a modified version of his leprechaun costume, which featured camouflage, the American flag and white Shamrocks. He blended in nicely as he chatted with Soldiers.

He routinely performs trampoline-powered, acrobatic dunks during Celtics games, so Lucky kept his energy level high at Natick. After sampling combat rations and meeting with Soldiers, he braved 40-mph winds in Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center's Doriot Climatic Chambers, walked a treadmill in "full battle rattle," donned a free-fall parachute, and tested his shooting ability in the Engagement Skills Trainer.

At the Department of Defense Combat Feeding Directorate, Lucky sampled the Asian beef strips after warming them in a flameless ration heater.

"I could get used to this," Lucky said of the food. "This is good. This is better than what I make in my kitchen."

He burned off some of those calories on the treadmill, adding his own touch by spinning a green and white Celtics basketball on his right index finger as he negotiated a nine-percent grade.

From there, it was on to the Engagement Skills Trainer, where he simulated shooting an M4 carbine.

"It's got more kick than I thought it would," Lucky said. "Am I anywhere near the target?"

Throughout the visit, Lucky asked thoughtful questions and obviously enjoyed learning about what Natick does.

"I'm fascinated by everything that goes on here," Lucky said. "So, basically, it's for improving Soldier performance. I guess that makes sense. Soldiers are athletes."

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