Bobcats call out HIMARS: Airborne Artillery troopers attend professional basketball game

Photo By Jacob McDonald | Johnny Parker, husband of Sgt. Tameka Parker, 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery (HIMARS), takes a shot at the hoop in Time Warner Arena after watching the Bobcats morning warm up and meeting some of the players Feb. 6. The Soldiers and guests were invited to attend the morning shootaround and attend the team's game against the Hornets that night.  

CHARLOTTE, UNITED STATES

02.06.2010

Courtesy Story

18th Field Artillery Brigade

More than 100 Soldiers and Family members with 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery, 18th Fires Brigade (Airborne), were in attendance at the Charlotte Bobcats game against the New Orleans Hornets, Feb. 6, in Charlotte, N.C.

Arriving in Charlotte early in the day, the Soldiers and their guests attended the team's morning shoot around and met with players afterward for autographs and pictures. During the post-shoot around meet and greet, the Soldiers presented Bobcats head coach Larry Brown with a plaque commemorating the visit and the game. After the players left, the floor was opened to the troopers to take a few shots on the professional court.

"This is a good thing. Honestly, we don't get the kind of time off to get to do something like this," said Spc. Refugio Reyes, 3-27 FA (HIMARS), a native of El Paso, Texas. "To be actually standing on the court feels pretty good."

After leaving the morning shoot around the Soldiers and their guests were treated to an hour of free bowling courtesy of a local bowling alley near the arena.

"These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy everyday freedoms; StrikeCity is honored to open our doors for them and their Families," said James White, StrikeCity operating partner.

The Soldiers and their Families were grateful for the opportunity to attend the game, meet the players and have some fun outside of the Fort Bragg area.

"I had to take advantage of this tonight. This is the first ball game I have been to since I was 10,"said Johnny Parker, a native of Clanton, Ala., husband of Sgt. Tameka Parker, 3-27FA (HIMARS).

The Bobcats management appreciated the opportunity to host the Soldiers at the game and allow them to meet the players. During the third quarter of the game the battalion was recognized on the jumbo-tron as being in attendance. When the announcement was made about the Soldiers at the basketball game, cheers and applause erupted throughout the arena.

"These are the men and women on the front lines of defending our nation and the ideals we believe in, and it's an honor to spend the day and share with them the kinds of sports and entertainment options that are available in uptown Charlotte," said Fred Whitfield, president and chief operating officer, Bobcats Sports and Entertainment.
Despite the home team losing, the Soldiers said they had a good time meeting the players and watching the game.

"The Soldiers and Families are excited to be able to attend this event and share some camaraderie with our home basketball team," said Lt. Col. Bob Agans, battalion commander, 3-27(HIMARS). "We are very appreciative of the Bobcats and StrikeCity for their generosity and support of our Armed Forces."

• Date Taken: 02.06.2010
• Date Posted: 02.10.2010 13:14
• Story ID: 45193
• Location: CHARLOTTE, US