FORT HOOD, Texas - Post leaders and community members gathered with representatives of the Boeing Company and the Dallas Stars, who sponsored a new ball hockey court, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its completion here, Oct.. 26.
“It’s obviously a tremendous honor for the Dallas Stars to come and help the United States Army and deliver this kind of gift to Soldiers and families that live here,” Dallas Stars Chief Executive Officer Brad Alberts said. “On behalf of all of us that work with the Dallas Stars in our foundation, we want to thank you for giving us this opportunity. We’re incredibly honored and humbled.”
Alberts continued, “What the United States Army has done for all of us in unbelievable and we are extremely grateful. A number of you have said how much you’re fans of the Stars – I can guarantee you that the Dallas Stars are big fans of the United States Army.”
President and CEO of Boeing Global Services Ted Colbert said one of Boeing’s great privileges is to serve those who serve the country, and he hopes that the new ball hockey court will provide better physical and mental health to those who use it.
“It’s our honor to partner with you each and every day. But supporting your mission is about much more than aircraft operations and readiness rates,” he said. “To us, being a good partner means much more than that. It means being invested and engaged in you, our Soldiers, as well as your loved ones and the community. That’s why we’re pleased to join the Dallas Stars foundation in bringing this hockey court to you.”
Fort Hood and III Corps command team, Lt. Gen. Pat White and Command Sgt. Maj. Cliff Burgoyne, were excited to let everyone test out the new court, located next to Harvey Physical Fitness Center, but took a quick pause to share Fort Hood’s gratitude to the Dallas Stars and Boeing.
“I do want to thank both Boeing (and) the Stars foundation and all of you that are sitting in the crowd today for coming out here today,” White said. “People are everything we do. You don’t have an Army without people. We’ve got to take care of them and the way you (Colbert) described how honesty and candor matters, that’s what we are as Soldiers. We’re your Army. We’re proud to be your Army. We come from you, we go back to you and the communities. This is spectacular for our Soldiers.”
“It’s going to get them out, they’re going to meet different folks that they’ve never seen before and it’s going to re-energize a competitive spirit on that court right there. In February, if we have that weather again (like) we had last year, it’ll be an ice rink,” Burgoyne said erupting the audience into laughter.
Afterwards a clinic was hosted for anyone who wanted to learn how to play ball hockey from Dallas Stars Xtreme Team, a group of USA Hockey certified, professional coaches.
Sgt. Adam Petsche, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Divison, grew up playing hockey and came out to the new ball hockey court to participate in the clinic. He was happy to see that the sport is making its way into Texas and that folks of all ages were getting into the game.
“It’s good to see,” he said. “They (adults and kids) love it. They’re ... having a blast.”
Department of Defense identification cardholders who wish to use the court can check out equipment from Harvey Physical Fitness Center.
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