Trail Blazers To Work Alongside and Honor Local Military Around Veterans Day

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 6, 2014) – The Portland Trail Blazers will celebrate Veterans Day this year with opportunities to both collaborate with and offer respects to members of the military in the local community during NBA Cares Hoops For Troops Week. On Tuesday, November 11, Portland hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Veterans Day for Military Night – an annual recognition of military service men and women inside the Moda Center. Tickets are still available for members of the military and their families at a reduced rate. Click here for more information. Those who purchase tickets at the military rate will receive special access to sit up close during pregame warm-ups, along with retail and concession discounts during a night filled with special recognitions. Meyers Leonard will host a small group of U.S. Marines on Military Night, always a special game for the Trail Blazers center. Leonard’s brother, Bailey, is a former U.S. Marine, and offering this experience is a unique way for Meyers to show his appreciation for his brother’s service and the service of all military personnel. Later in the week, the entire team will join forces with local military personnel for a community service project. As part of the NBA’s Commitment to Service initiative, players, coaches and military volunteers will lend a hand at the Oregon Food Bank. In collaboration with the Department of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dempsey and Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, the NBA launched its Commitment to Service initiative built upon four pillars: Leadership, Transition, Community and Health. NBA teams around the league are working with members of local military installations to host Hoops for Troops – Commitment to Service events in their local communities. These activities include leadership seminars, community service events and basketball-focused fitness activities for youth and families encouraging others to give back as well. The Trail Blazers along with the more than 600 Leupold and Stevens employees located in Beaverton, Oregon, are proud to recognize the brave men and women of our armed forces, first responders and everyday heroes during every home game through the Hometown Heroes program. Hometown Heroes honors our heroes, past or present, with in-game recognition, a gift from the Trail Blazers and Leupold, and complimentary game tickets. To nominate a Hometown Hero, visit Leupold.com.