Several Heroes Honored As Wolves Hosted Bucks

Lindsey LaBelleWeb Editorial AssistantEmail What began as a way to help pay for college became a rewarding career for Tech Sgt. Rose Vlaisavljevich. Vlaisavljevich was honored before the Friday night win over the Milwaukee Bucks 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. “This is really awesome,” Vlaisavljevich said after receiving a personalized Wolves jersey. “It’s really exciting, the whole situation tonight, a lot to take it, but it feels really amazing that the Timberwolves would do this.” Vlaisavljevich is a member of the 133rd Airlift Wing of the Minnesota National Guard. In 2004, she enlisted in the Air Guard as an air media evacuation technician and has deployed four times. In performing medical care on aircraft, Vlaisavljevich works with many new faces, and she didn’t anticipate the lasting relationships she would build. “I did two back-to-back tours and I had the same patient on the plane,” she said. “After a while, sometimes you forget each individual, but he remembered me and showed a picture and it really just sparked that you do make a big difference in people’s lives; how important it is and how important each individual is.” Military service is in her blood: Her sister is also in the Airforce and her father served as a marine in the Vietnam War. Her supportive family creates a seamless transition from deployment to home. “With that, having family that understands, it’s nice having that support when you get home,” she said. Friday night’s honors also included Roger and Nancy McCabe—two names often overheard within the Timberwolves community, and who are heroes in their own right. Working with the FastBreak Foundation, Roger and Nancy McCabe have supported Minnesota troops and families in various ways over past five years. The pair serves as a crucial link to Minnesota troops and their community, and provides opportunities for them to attend and be recognized at Timberwolves home games. The McCabes are also committed to supporting the Minnesota Chapter of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Roger and Nancy McCabe truly embody what community service is all about: Showing appreciation and giving thanks. The Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, Major General Rick Nash presented the pair with the Minnesota Superior Civilian Service Award. Operation: Heroes Month is presented by the Roger and Nancy McCabe Foundation and POPP Communications. Operation: Heroes Month serves to honor and recognize Minnesota troops and their families. The FastBreak Foundation works to ensure that those servicemen and women from Minnesota who dutifully serve their country at home and abroad have the opportunity to be recognized by the Timberwolves and their fans.