LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — As Vegas Golden Knights fans cheered on their team at home on Monday, they showed support for more than their guys in gold.
Locals and tourists honored current military members and veterans at VGK's Military Appreciation Knight, with a portion of every ticket sold benefiting The Folded Flag Foundation.
“The Folded Flag Foundation was started in 2014 by Bill Foley to help Gold Star families — those who have lost a family member in the line of duty...it’s to provide educational scholarships and grants to these family members," VGK Foundation and Folded Flag Foundation President Kim Frank said.
According to Frank, this year alone, the foundation awarded more than $5 million and 1,100+ scholarships.
Hear from Golden Knights fans about what Military Appreciation Knight means to them:
“Honestly, it means the world to us," said U.S. Navy Chief Samantha Teliczan. "We don’t do the job for selfish reasons; we’re trying to protect our homeland, protect everybody who’s in it, so for foundations to give back to us, we can’t be more grateful, and it makes us want to do the job even more.”
It is a job that, for some, comes with the ultimate sacrifice.
“I’ve served for 21 years; I’ve been through the deployments, getting shot at, bombed at — I lost my brother, too," said retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Carey Yamaguchi.
“My husband loved hockey, and when I come to these events...it brings their memory. It’s like they’re still here — and they are still here," said military family member Rachel Suerth.
Their spirit lives on through U.S. citizens who continue to fight and honor them.
“It makes what we do worth it," one Navy veteran said.
While the Golden Knights lost to the Panthers 3-2, they are back at home on Thursday to host the New York Islanders at 7 p.m.
-
Henderson Silver Knights to honor the legacy of the Las Vegas Thunder
While the Vegas Golden Knights confirmed hockey in the desert is a success, the Las Vegas Thunder sparked the idea. The Silver Knights host "Thunder Knight" on Saturday at Lee's Family Forum.
Knights in the Morning: Brandon Saad says hockey is a family affair
On this week's edition of Nights in the Morning, sports reporter Alex Eschelman sits down with one Guy in Gold who tells us it's home to more than just the players.
Konecny scores twice as Flyers end 6-game skid with 2-1 victory at Vegas
The Flyers improved to 6-8-2 since opening the season 17-9-6. They had lost six of their previous seven meetings with the Golden Knights.
Vegas Golden Knights general manager discusses trade with Calgary Flames
Before the game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday, Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon will discuss the recent acquisition of defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Flames.
