Wolves Honor Service Men And Women On Military Night
Corey Brewer, like the rest of his Timberwolves teammates, is grateful for the opportunities he’s afforded thanks to the sacrifices made by the United States’ Armed Forces over the course of our country’s history. And he’s appreciative to all the servicemen and women stationed all over the world as we speak.
“It means a lot, man,” Brewer said. “The veterans do a lot for us. I couldn’t imagine being overseas and doing all the stuff they do every day. They wake up and do more stuff [in a day] than I do before 7 a.m. I really appreciate those guys.”
Members of the United States Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard filed into the Target Center arena Wednesday night’s 124-95 win over the Cavaliers.
The fans at Target Center welcomed those who served, along with a joint color guard that represented all branches of military service. The citizen-soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team displayed a large flag, while The National Anthem was performed by Sergeant Kelsey Hokenson, who is a part of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Band.
During the second quarter, three of those military members in attendance were honored at center court. The Timberwolves’ FastBreak Foundation, along with Roger and Nancy McCabe and POPP Communications, honored these three heroes in front of the Target Center crowd.
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Matthew Foy, Sergeant Shanae Fortson and Specialist Kristopher Francisco were presented with Derrick Williams jerseys by Timberwolves President Chris Wright, along with Roger and Nancy McCabe.
In addition, Barry Winslow, a member of the Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund presented each hero with a grant from MMAF in honor of their sacrifices for our country.
“It’s wonderful. It’s great to feel that kind of appreciation and know that there’s people out there that appreciate us that much,” Fortson expressed.
Fortson served with the 893rd Medical Detachment of the US Army in Kuwait.
“I was very thankful to get it. Honestly, it was difficult to accept right away. Most of us are very humble people. So, I’m just very thankful to be able to accept this,” Foy said after accepting the grant.
Foy served with the Navel Mobilization Operations in Afghanistan.
Kristopher Francisco, who was also honored, served with the 101st Airborne Air Assault Division of the US Army in Afghanistan.
It might be a small token of appreciation for what our military members give up to protect us, but Robbie Hummel said being able to play a game like Wednesday night’s matchup in honor of the Armed Forces is a special feeling.
“You look at what those guys sacrifice, and sometimes it’s the ultimate sacrifice,” Hummel said. “Giving up one’s life to defend the United States is something you have to appreciate. Those guys, I can’t even imagine to be honest being put into the situations they’re put in. They deserve more credit than we can give them.”
Operation: Minnesota Heroes Month is presented by the Roger and Nancy McCabe Foundation and POPP Communications. Operation: Minnesota Heroes Month serves to honor and recognize Minnesota troops and their families. The FastBreak Foundation works to ensure that those service men 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.
“There’s not enough ways to honor those guys,” Hummel said. “To be part of that tonight was pretty cool.”