PHOENIX – Northern Arizona University (NAU) and the Phoenix Suns will pay tribute to Arizona resident Army Ranger Sergeant Cory Remsburg, who was First Lady Michelle Obama’s guest of honor at the 2014 State of the Union address, during tomorrow night’s (February 28) Suns-New Orleans Pelicans game at US Airways Center. The tribute will take place during the second timeout of the first quarter and is part of the team’s Military Appreciation Night, courtesy of NAU. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m.
In 2009, during Sgt. Remsburg’s 10th deployment overseas, a roadside bombing in Afghanistan nearly killed him and placed him in a coma for three months. The bomb left him partially paralyzed and blind in his right eye. After spending years working on his rehabilitation, Sgt. Remsburg has learned to speak, stand and walk again. Last year, Sgt. Remsburg returned home to Phoenix where he continues to work on his recovery.
During the State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle honored Sgt. Remsburg for his dedication and sacrifice to our country. For his service, Sgt. Remsburg has been awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal and the Bronze Star.
In addition to the in-game recognition of Sgt. Remsburg, during the first time out of the second quarter NAU and the Suns will honor military veterans from the Army, Navy and US Air Force representing five of America’s wars: Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Bosnia & Somalia, and Iraq & Afghanistan. NAU and the Suns are also providing one hundred tickets to military members and their families, who are also NAU students and alumni.
The special evening will serve as a continuation of the Suns Military Appreciation initiative launched last season. In January, the Suns, in partnership with Kia Motors, launched “Kia Seats for Service” offering all military personnel a 20 percent discount off tickets to any remaining Suns home game, and 10 percent off purchases at the Suns Team Shop, with proof of military ID. Fans can visit Suns.com/kiaservice to purchase tickets.
Northern Arizona University is the official education partner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, collaborating on various community and education-based initiatives with an emphasis on the importance of higher education.