Seats For Soldiers: Mavs Give Back To Wounded Service Members

DALLAS, TX — Wounded service members were shown thanks Monday for their many sacrifices by the Dallas Mavericks during Seats for Soldiers, an annual event that give back to injured military personnel. The Mavs joined forces with American Airlines and Nick & Sam's Park Cities to give servicemen and women a four-course meal and court-side seats at Monday evening's Mavs game against the Denver Nuggets.

Seats for Soldiers' co-founder, Jamie Hawks, said season ticket holders donate their court-side seats each year to the program so they can be occupied by service members. The tickets obviously aren't cheap, but Hawks said it's a small price to pay for those who "just sacrificed so much."

The men and women were flown in Monday from Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Among them was Shayla Gessner, a former computer administrator and current supporter of the 59th medical squadron. She said a crowd of supporters saw the service memebrs off from San Antonio, but the party really began when they touched down in Dallas.

"There was like a big spread of food for us," Gessner said. "The ManiAACs and the cheerleaders were there. I danced with them, and then they told me I was gonna be on the news. I didn’t know that."

She seemed not to mind that she could be seen on the evening news. She did, however, tell Patch she looked most forward to seeing the cheerleaders again at the game and eating Dippin' Dots.

Gessner joined the military in 2012 and was stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Lajes Field Air Force Base in Portugal and in San Antonio.

Former Dallas Maverick Michael Finley addressed the troops as well, thanking them for their service and encouraging them to enjoy their time as VIP guests of the Mavericks.

"This is just a small token of our appreciation for you to come in tonight to enjoy the game, cheer us on to a victory," Finley said. "I’ve just got one rule for you guys: It’s all about you tonight. Whatever you want to do — besides run on the court — I give you permission to do whatever you want to do as a fan of the game. Enjoy it, stand up, scream, get on the Jumbotron. It’s all about you guys tonight."

American Airlines sponsored the event and provided a plane to transport the service members from Brook Army Medical Center to Dallas. The flight crew, including the captains, volunteered their time to the occasion. The airline also sponsored SkyBall, an event held at DFW airport in honor of veterans. At the 2017 SkyBall, donors helped surprise veterans with free cars.

David Seymour, the senior vice president of integrated operations for American Airlines, said the organization sees Seats for Soldiers as a privilege.

“Giving back to the men and women who serve our country is a tremendous honor for the 120,000 team members of American Airlines,” Seymour said.

Seats for Soldiers is now in its 13th year. Hawks said she and her husband considered cancelling the event in years prior, but decided to keep up the tradition after several attendees told the couple the event marks their favorite day of the year.

Lead image via Payton Potter, Patch
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