Via Orlando Magic press release
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Orlando Magic and Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, have teamed up for the 10th consecutive season to honor military men, women and their families with Seats for Soldiers Night on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. when the Magic take on the Boston Celtics. The Magic, Harris Corporation and season ticket holders have donated more than 2,000 tickets to the Magic/Celtics matchup for active and retired military personnel and their families.
Seats for Soldiers participating military outfits include Patrick Air Force Base, Orange County Veteran Services, Wounded Warrior Project, Orlando Marine affiliate, Orlando Army affiliate, Florida National Guard, the Wounded Warrior Project, MacDill Air Force Base, and Greater Jacksonville Area USO. Courtside seats will be provided, courtesy of Harris Corporation, to the family of local military hero Lito Santos, who will be honored in a special halftime presentation.
Sergeant Santos joined the Army in 2003 and was injured while touring in Iraq in 2005 when improvised explosive devices hit his vehicle. He lost two soldiers in his unit and two others were injured. Sergeant Santos also lost his leg in the explosion in an act of heroism. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.
After his retirement, Santos has been involved with the Wounded Warrior Project as a peer mentor to help other returning service members with their transition home.
"It is truly the Orlando Magic’s honor to recognize the brave men and women who dedicate their lives in service of our great country," said Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins. "Together with Harris Corporation, we recognize the sacrifices made by not only the men and women in uniform but their families as well. They are all heroes."
In honor of the annual Seats for Soldiers Night, the Magic will host a military-themed Fan Fest including military Humvees, a rock wall, and military simulators. Other highlights include volunteer uniformed officers distributing game programs to fans entering the Disney Atrium, the national anthem performed by a military member, a military-themed performance by the Magic Dancers and an on-court presentation to Hometown Hero Major Christian Magnell.
The Hometown Hero, presented by Harris Corporation, is an ongoing in-game recognition honoring first responders in the Central Florida community including emergency medical, fire, police and military. In addition, the Magic, Harris and Levy Restaurants will host a pregame reception for more than 100 preselected active and retired military personnel and their families, with food and beverage provided courtesy of Levy Restaurants.
"November 11th is Veterans Day, a time to pause and thank the many brave men and women who have served, or are serving, our country," said Bill Brown, president and chief executive officer of Harris Corporation. "This weekend we have the opportunity for our veterans, active-duty service members and their families to experience a fantastic sporting event and venue as a token of our appreciation for all they do to preserve and defend our freedom."
