Area veterans can enjoy a day of fun watching a professional basketball game during the sixth-annual Salute Our Troops game at 4 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Erie Insurance Arena in Erie.
The event, facilitated by the Bradford American Legion Post 108 and Bradford Travel Service, will provide 56 tickets and transportation for veterans and their guests. The local group will watch the Erie BayHawks play the Lakeland Magic team.
During the game, the BayHawks, a professional team that is an affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association, will wear special military camouflage jerseys. During the game, the jerseys will be auctioned to benefit the PA Wounded Warriors program. Other activities of the day will include an American Flag presentation during the National Anthem and an arena wide ‘stand and salute’ ceremony for all veterans. Vendors will also be on-hand for veterans on the concourse throughout the game.
Mike Uden of the BayHawks said the event is sponsored by Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and is provided in honor of all retired and active service members.
Commander Bill Hurrle of the Bradford American Legion said he has received 14 vouchers, with each voucher valid for four free tickets to the game.
“One (veteran) has to be responsible for a voucher and they can then invite three other people,” Hurrle explained.
He said Bradford Travel has offered to facilitate the project by taking a list of all veterans who request a voucher to attend with friends and relatives.
“A veteran has to get the voucher, and if they know who will be going with them, that would be great,” Hurrle said. “I would like to have non-Legion veterans sign up for this. Especially Vietnam vets and Middle East vets.”
Angela Shipman, of Bradford Travel, said the agency offered to help with the project after they were approached by Hurrle and the American Legion. She said the American Legion will sponsor the motorcoach at a discounted rate from Bradford Travel.
“I told Bill (Hurrle) that the veterans will be welcome to call (Bradford Travel) to sign up here,” Shipman said. “Hopefully, they’ll get a good response” from veterans.
For more information on the event, contact Bradford Travel at 362-6884. Deadline for signing up for the event is 5 p.m. Jan. 22.
