To show appreciation for local members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Milwaukee Bucks will host multiple events to honor those who serve our nation as part of NBA Cares Hoops for Troops Week, which begins today and continues through Veterans Day.
The first event will be an in-game Hardwood Hero Honors presentation, sponsored by Waukesha Metal Products, at Wednesday night’s contest vs. Philadelphia. As part of the presentation, a Milwaukee-area military member will be given complimentary tickets to attend the contest along with 20 friends and family. The service member will also receive on-court recognition including the opportunity for their children to serve as Anthem Buddies by standing in front of the players during the national anthem.
Two additional Hardwood Hero presentations will be made at the upcoming home games on Nov. 7 vs. Brooklyn and Nov. 14 vs. Cleveland. The crew of the USS Milwaukee Freedom-Class Littoral Combat Ship will also be honored when the Bucks host the Cavaliers. Anyone wanting to enter a family member for possible selection as a Hardwood Hero is encouraged to submit a nomination to hoopsfortroops@bucks.com by noon on Friday, Nov. 6 for consideration. Please include a photo, short bio with rank and branch, family and hometown information, as well as a brief explanation of why this member should be chosen.
The Tuesday, Nov. 10 game vs. Boston will be Military Appreciation Night, sponsored by We Energies, at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Thousands of local service members and their families will be in attendance, and the game will feature a special salute to those who serve or have served. For Military Night and every home game this season, individuals with a valid military ID can purchase up to six tickets at $10 each at the BMO Harris Bradley Center ticket office.
The Bucks will also hold a Veterans Appreciation Dinner at Palermo’s Villa (3301 W. Canal Street) on Monday, Nov. 9 from 6 – 7 p.m. where players will serve dinner to 30 pre-registered veterans to thank them for their service. Bucks President Peter Feigin will speak on behalf of the organization during the dinner. The venue and food will be provided as a donation from Palermo’s as a sign of their gratitude.
Additionally, the Bucks will welcome military members for an open practice on Friday, Nov. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin Training Center (3501 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis). At this special practice, more than 40 local active service men and women will be on hand to watch the workout and interact with players, coaches and Bucks legend Sidney Moncrief. Following practice, the entire group will be invited onto the court to meet the team, shoot some hoops and enjoy lunch together.
These events are part of NBA Cares Hoops for Troops Week – a collaboration with the Department of Defense, USO, and other military and veteran-serving organizations to honor active and retired service men and women and their families. Throughout Veterans Day week (Nov. 3-11), NBA players will wear special on-court apparel including adidas shooting shirts, headbands, wristbands and socks to commemorate the Veterans Day holiday.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS HOOPS FOR TROOPS EVENTS
WHO/WHAT:
The entire Bucks team and coaching staff along with alumni and executives will participate in Hoops for Troops events including in-game presentations, an open practice, and a veteran’s appreciation dinner
WHEN/WHERE:
Hardwood Hero Honors, presented by Waukesha Metal Products
Wednesday, Nov. 4 vs. Philadelphia 76ers –7 p.m.
Hardwood Hero Honors, presented by Waukesha Metal Products
Saturday, Nov. 7 vs. Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 p.m.
Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner
Monday, Nov. 9, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Palermo’s Villa
3301 W. Canal St. (Milwaukee)
Military Appreciation Night, presented by WE Energies
Tuesday, Nov. 10 vs. Boston Celtics – 7 p.m.
Local service men and women attending Bucks practice
Friday, Nov. 13, from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin Training Center
3501 S. Lake Dr. (St. Francis)
Hardwood Hero Honors, presented by Waukesha Metal Products
Saturday, Nov. 14 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers –7:30 p.m.