As part of NBA Cares Season of Giving, the Orlando Magic and Chase celebrated Christmas in a BIG way surprising Army vet Juan Velasquez and his family during the Magic vs. Knicks matchup on December 23. The Magic and Chase, along with Papa John’s, PepsiCo., Dixon Ticonderoga and Walt Disney World Resort showered the family of seven with gifts and other items as a thank you for their service and to help them get settled into civilian life.
The Velasquez family was invited to the game as the “military family of the game.” At halftime the revelation occurred, they were given holiday gift cards, toys, games, bikes, a specialty barbecue grill, electronic gadgets such as a XBOX One, mini-iPad, iPod, laptop, tablets, Karaoke machine, DVDs, and much more.; Papa John’s provided pizza for an entire year; Dixon Ticonderoga gave them three treasure chests full of school supplies; PepsiCo. provided free Pepsi products; and Disney surprised the entire family with theme park passes so they may enjoy all four Disney theme parks along with a gift basket including Mickey utensils, hand towels and other kitchen items.
The entire day was an experience to remember: the family rode in limo service to and from the game and they cheered on the Magic from courtside seats after enjoying dinner in the Fields Ultimate Lounge.
The family received a home through Chase and nonprofit partner Military Support Warrior Foundation as part of the bank’s commitment to provide 1,000 mortgage-free homes to deserving vets. In addition, they were surprised on December 16 with a visit from Magic Community Ambassador Bo Outlaw, Magic Dancers and STUFF the Magic Mascot who presented them with tickets to tonight’s matchup as the “military family of the game” for the Big Give.
Veteran Juan Velazquez was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico and raised in Rockville, Maryland. He served in the Army for six years in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was seriously injured in Kandahar in October 2009, where he was hit by an IED while recovering fallen comrades and their vehicles. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries. Other awards include Combat Action Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ 2 Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Certificate of Achievement(2). He suffers from severe traumatic brain injury and PTSD along with small injuries.
