Armed Forces Night honors military

  • Published
  • By Airman David Owsianka
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Military members were honored during the annual Phoenix Coyotes Armed Forces Night at Jobing.com Arena Saturday.

"We have an armed forces night every year," said Nick Myers, Phoenix Coyotes group sales account executive. "We work closely with all of the military branches to put together a night to honor the men and women who serve our country.

"We want to make this a special evening for servicemembers," he said. "We are recognizing servicemembers who made the choice to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of our country."

The Coyotes Armed Forces Night allowed servicemembers to take part in several different events throughout the night.

"We find servicemembers who have achieved success and recognize those individuals during the game for their accomplishments," Mr. Myers said.

Before the game started Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Martinez, 56th Operations Group superintendant, dropped the hockey puck to start the game.

"It was a humbling experience to be able to drop the puck," Chief Martinez said. "I gave it to Marine Corporal Frederick Coleman's 3-year-old son to give him a better experience at the game.

"I also felt honored to be able to represent Luke Air Force Base," he said. "It caused me to reflect on the three decades I have served, and I realized how fast it has gone by."
The Coyotes staff and fans showed their support for servicemembers throughout the game.

"We appreciate the men and women who serve our country," Mr. Myers said. "I hope the individuals who were a part of tonight's events had a good time."