HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- More than 6,000 screaming fans showed their support for local service members, veterans and military spouses during a night honoring America's men and women in uniform.
The Huntsville Havoc, the local professional ice hockey team, hosted the Peoria Rivermen during Military Appreciation Night at the Von Braun Center March 12. The evening include Soldiers rappelling from the ceiling, a future Soldier enlistment ceremony and a post-game jersey auction, featuring the jerseys worn by the Havoc players that night.
Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, dropped the ceremonial hockey puck prior to the game and thanked Still Serving Veterans' local chapter president, retired Col. Will Webb, for sponsoring the event.
"A special thanks to Will Webb and Still Serving Veterans who do so much for our veterans," Mann said. "On behalf of all of us who wear the uniform, regardless of service, and all of those who have served, and their families, we just want to say thank you very much for your support.
"I also want to take this opportunity to recognize in the audience a number of Gold Star families," he continued. "Families, whose loved ones have paid the ultimate sacrifice. So all that I ask is when you hit your knees at night, please say a special prayer for these families.
"God bless you," Mann added. "Let's play some hockey."
Still Serving Veterans' mission is to empower veterans, wounded warriors, and their families to transition into post-military careers and communities through outreach and education. Since its inception in 2006, the organization has assisted more than 12,000 veterans and their families.
"We not only want to show our respect and appreciation for our military, but it's also going to be a fun night to learn more about Still Serving Veterans while saluting our troops," said Shannon Drake, Still Serving Veterans community relations director.
After the first period, Mann swore in 52 future Soldiers from the local community as they prepare to enter basic training.
"Tonight is outstanding," said Capt. Eric Nelson, Huntsville Army Recruiting Company commander. "It is always a good day when we get an opportunity to enlist Soldiers into the Army and provide strength to the nation.
"It is remarkable to have a three-star general to administer the oath of enlistment," he added. "To have Lt. Gen. Mann nearby and willing to support us with this event is even more special considering he is the former USAREC (U.S. Army Recruiting Command) commanding general."
A Huntsville Havoc leader said that Military Appreciation Night is a way the team can thank the military community at Redstone Arsenal and local National Guard and Reserve units who stand ready to face whatever challenges may arise.
"Military Appreciation Night is something that needs to be continued from generation to generation," said Clay Coleman, Huntsville Havoc vice president. "Our organization feels it is something that needs to be presented because these men and women do so many amazing things for us.
"Military night is a huge sell-out," he added. "This community is a huge military supporter, and we are excited to be working with Still Serving Veterans. We hope to make it a great experience. The military community is the heartbeat of this area, so for us to even be a part of it is great. People come to the hockey games to see their sports heroes, but our military members are the real heroes."
During the game, the Havoc came back from a 1-3 deficit to tie the game 3-3 in the third period sending it into overtime, but the team fell to the Rivermen 3-4 in overtime.
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