“The Atlanta Hawks and Crown Royal are forever grateful for the service and sacrifice of these heroes,” said Hawks principal owner Jami Gertz. “Hosting this annual ‘Crowning Courage’ event is just one way to show our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these courageous men and women.”
Hundreds of vets and family members intermingled and visited several stations in the suites for gifts, adult beverages and food. One such station was Crown Royal’s Purple Bag Project, where they put together care packages in the whisky brand’s purple bags which will be sent to active-duty service members overseas.
It was apropos that Collins, the Hawks’ firestarter at power forward, led the honoring of vets at halftime before a thunderous ovation. Both Collins’ parents are Air Force veterans.
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Scarlett started things off by singing the national anthem. During the game, various videos aired on the screen at State Farm Arena, which highlighted veterans Herschel Scheidt, a 100-year-old World War II veteran; and Alwyn Cashe, the first Black Medal of Honor recipient, who sacrificed his life while successfully saving others in Iraq.
