The Rebels will be hosting their second annual Veterans Appreciation weekend November 18, 19 and 20. The team will be auctioning off its specially-designed, game-worn jerseys to support Operation First Response, whose mission is two fold: to draw attention to the plight of tens of thousands of returning soldiers who are wounded, and whose families are facing significant financial and emotional challenges as their loved one recovers and 2) to raise funds to help meet the critical needs of these families, many of whom are crisis right now – today, in hometowns all across the country.
“Every liberty we have in this country is because men and women have dedicated their lives to preserve and protect our values and beliefs” stated Ken Dennis, Rebels Team President. “Without our veterans and fallen heroes, this country does not enjoy the freedoms we have and many of us take for granted,” concluded Dennis.
Immediately following the Rebels’ November 20 home game against the New Jersey Titans, fans and the team’s family members will be given an opportunity to bid on the players’ jerseys. The auction will take place in between rinks 3 and 4 at the IceWorks Skating Complex.
“Operation First Response is honored to partner with the Aston Rebels to raise awareness of the urgent situations our Wounded Heroes and Disabled Veterans face each day” stated Nick Constantino, Senior Advisor for Operation First Response. “As difficult as their battles can be at war often their most difficult battles take place here at home. Together with the Aston Rebels we will honor their service and sacrifice by providing a safety net that will enable our Heroes to transition back to their communities feeling the deep gratitude of their country” concluded Constantino.
The mission of Operation First Response, Inc (OFR) is to serve all branches of our nation’s Wounded Heroes/Disabled Veterans and their families with personal and financial needs. Services are provided from the onset of injuries or illness, throughout their recovery period and along their journey from military life to the civilian world. Financial aid varies as each case is based on individual needs ranging from rent, utilities, vehicle payments, groceries, clothing, and travel expenses.
