Wolves Give Thanks
Kevin Love may be sidelined during games, but he still has his right hand to scoop stuffing. On Monday night, Love, along with the entire Timberwolves team, coaching staff, Dancers, and Crunch, participated in the Give-Thanks event at the View restaurant in Minneapolis. The players served a Thanksgiving-style meal to a mixture of Purple Heart recipients from WWII, Vietnam and Iraq, families of soldiers killed in action and military service members that have recently served in a combat zone.
"What we wanted to do is take November and really recognize all of the sacrifices that the military makes, so that we can have the lives that we have, so that we can have the jobs that we do within a country where we're free," stated Timberwolves president Chris Wright.
Wright also commented on the importance of having the players, several of them in their early twenties, involved in this event. "For them to have first-hand interaction with Veterans from World War II, from Vietnam, Korea, to begin to understand that in a span of over 60 years there have been these different military conflicts that allow us to have the freedoms that we have every single day… It's a phenomenal learning experience for our guys."
The Give-Thanks event is part of The FastBreak Foundation's Operation Minnesota Heroes Month presented by POPP.com. Bill Popp, President and CEO, reiterated the importance of going beyond thanking the military service members themselves and also expressing gratitude to the families of those service members.
"[The military families] sacrifice a lot more than most people realize," Popp said. "We want to say 'thank you' to the families, because they've been overlooked over the years. They haven't been recognized for the sacrifices they've made."
The night began with Wolves broadcaster Alan Horton addressing the crowd of 160 people while recognizing the achievements of the service members present. Popp also took the floor to express gratefulness to the military members and their families.
Following the short program, the military members and their families enjoyed a meal served buffet-style by the Timberwolves players, followed by slices of pumpkin pie individually handed out by the team.
"This is the least we can do," commented Jonny Flynn. "A lot of people try to call us heroes, but these are the people who paved the way for us to live a better life in this country." Flynn said the event especially hit home because of a close friend of his that is involved in the Air Force. "This is the perfect time to reflect and be thankful for all the things that God has blessed us with."
Jim Soloin is a retired Seargent Major who served in Vietnam from 1971-73 in the First Calvary Division and then want on to serve actively in the Minnesota National Guard until 2004. "This event is really special, for all veterans -- either current veterans in the Middle East or the individuals that served in previous wars. Any time that anybody steps up and says 'Thank you, we appreciate your service,' veterans appreciate that. I appreciate it."After serving dinner the players mingled with the guests, signing autographs, taking pictures, and giving time to show respect and gratitude to these men and women that have committed themselves to serving the country.
"It's always good to give back to the Veterans," said Kevin Love. "It's an experience just hearing about all the different sorts of experiences that they've gone through. It's quite an honor to be here in their presence."
"It's all about them. If it weren't for them, we wouldn’t be here. It's the least we can do, to be here and serve them," added Al Jefferson.
Of course, the evening wouldn't be complete without a little good-hearted competition. When asked who was the best server of the night, Jefferson and Love showed a difference of opinion.
Love, who prided himself on his stuffing-serving skills, said, "A lot of people go for the stuffing, so it's pretty consistent. I ran out of two trays of my stuffing, and I think as far as portion size -- I'm never stingy. I always give people more than they want."
Jefferson saw no contest. "I was the guy with the turkey," he said. "You can't have Thanksgiving without the turkey."
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