Lindsey LaBelleWeb Editorial AssistantEmail
Master Sgt. Ryan Fenton is looking forward to spending the holidays with his family after being honored at Wednesday night’s Wolves win over the Denver Nuggets.
Fenton was honored as part of Heroes United, a program presented by the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation and Roger and Nancy McCabe that recognizes Minnesota troops for their dedication and service.
In 1994, Fenton first enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18, and after being deployed four times, he’ll be taking a journey closer to home this December: To Michigan to visit his wife’s family for Christmas.
It’s great to see my family because I miss them so much,” Fenton said. “This return was easier, they get easier each time. I’ve done it four times now, and the kids are getting older and it’s getting easier to do it.”
Fenton is now a member of the 133rd Airlift Wing of the Minnesota National Guard. He has deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Southwest Asia where he provided logistical support.
“My most memorable moment was my most recent deployment to Afghanistan,” Fenton said. “Just knowing that we were starting the end of our tour, and the end of our time overseas, it was good to know that.”
The Minnesota FastBreak Foundation celebrates the Season of Giving presented by SPIRE Federal Credit Union. During the month, the Foundation focuses on brightening the holiday season for Minnesotans in need as well as recognizing those in the community who dedicate their time to assisting others.
Wednesday night, the FastBreak Foundation presented a $5000 grant to the Hospitality House Youth Development. The funds contribute to their Christmas with Dignity program that offers parents the opportunity to shop for presents for their children at affordable prices. The program has served approximately 9,000 families and 33,000 children since 1996.
SPIRE Federal Credit Union CEO Dan Stoltz cherishes the opportunity to partner with the FastBreak Foundation.
“First of all, it's an honor and a privilege for us to be a part of the Wolves organization,” Stoltz said. “But I really want to say that SPIRE and the Timberwolves are both committed organizations about giving back, so we wanted to be a part of that. Quite honestly, I think in today's news we always tend to focus on what's wrong and what I really love about this opportunity is that we really talk about what's right and people are giving a lot of their time and effort to make better communities in Minnesota.”