FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Peter Vacho 704-358-7436 Peter.vacho@Panthers.nfl.com
Calling all Panthers fans in the military! The Carolina Panthers organization is proud to honor the men and women of our armed forces through Operation Gameday, a program to recognize six (6) servicemen during the team’s Salute to Service game in November at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The Carolina Panthers have teamed up with the USO of NC to bring this opportunity to six (6) special military Panther fans. The Panthers will provide our VIP’s and their guest the Ultimate Panthers Fan Gameday Experience! The six (6) selected troops (one-Army, one-Marines, one-Sailors, one-Airman, one-National Guardsman, and one-Coast Guardsman) will receive the ultimate experience with a Panther fan package, which includes two tickets and two field passes and a few surprises along the way. Criteria for nomination are; the service member must be a Panther’s fan, must be able to wear their appropriate service uniform and be able to attend the Salute to Service game in November. To nominate a deserving service member, complete the form below and email to Megan Grady at m.grady@uso-nc.org. All entries must be received no later than Friday, October 19. The Panthers and USO-NC committee will select ten participants Friday, October 26. CONNECT WITH US: The USO of North Carolina leads the way to enrich the lives of America’s military in the Carolinas. Its mission is to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families. Since 1941, the USO of NC has provided vital health and human services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO of NC is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of North Carolinians to support its programs and services.
OPERATION game day EVENT OVERVIEW Operation Gameday was created to recognize and honor the military service men and women who have served in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, National Guard, Marines and Navy. The Carolina Panthers have teamed up with the USO of North Carolina to bring this opportunity to troops who are also Panther fans. The recognition will take place during the Carolina Panthers Salute to Service game during the month of November. The Panthers will provide our VIP’s and their guest; the ultimate Panthers fan game day experience! The six (6) selected troops will receive: • Panthers fan package • Two tickets and two field passes • And a few surprises along the way! NOMINATION/SELECTION PROCESS • Email soldiers bio (example below) to Megan Grady at USO-NC by FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 to m.grady@uso-nc.org • Panthers/USO-NC Committee will select the participants the following week. The Carolina Panthers are looking for the following: • Six (6) troops to participate • One from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard & Coast Guard. The Operation Gameday participant: 1. Must be Panthers fan. 2. Must be able to wear their appropriate service uniform. 3. Must be able to attend the game MEDIA/PAO PAO and other media contacts, please contact Peter Vacho at 704-358-7436 or peter.vacho@panthers.nfl.com if you are interested in covering this gameday event. CONTACTS Carolina Panthers Peter Vacho 800 S. Mint Street P 704-358-7436 Peter.vacho@panthers.nfl.com
USO-NC Megan Grady Charlotte-Douglas Center P 704-359-5584 m.grady@uso-nc.org
OPERATION game day NOMINATOR INFORMATION Rank/Name_______________________________________
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Branch___________________________________________
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Email____________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________ NOMINEE INFORMATION & MILITARY BACKGROUN D/BIO Rank/Name_______________________________________
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Branch___________________________________________
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Address______________________________________________________________________________ Favorite Panthers memory/game:
Panthers fan since: ____________ Military background/bio – PLEASE INCLUDE ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER (below is example) • • • • • •
Injured February 17, 2007 in Fallujah, Iraq. Attended Marine Corps Recruit Training on September 10, 2001 at Parris Island, SC. Assigned to and deployed with 2nd Tank Battalion 2nd Marine Division for 2 combat tours to Iraq. Staff Sergeant Joe was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat V for valor while serving as a Tank Commander with Charlie Company 2nd Tank Battalion when his tank was struck by a Rocket- Propelled Grenade launcher. In December 2007 Staff Sergeant Joe was awarded the Tanker of the Year Award by the Marine Corps Tanker’s Association at Camp Lejune, NC. Staff Sergeant Joe is still currently serving on Active Duty and currently works at the Wounded Warrior Battalion.