For the ninth year overall, the Orlando Magic and Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, teamed up to honor military men, women and their families with Seats for Soldiers Night at the Magic vs. Suns game on November 4. The Magic, Harris Corporation and season ticket holders donated more than 800 tickets to the Magic/Suns matchup for active and retired military personnel and their families. Seats for Soldiers participating military outfits included Patrick Air Force Base, Orlando Vet Center, Wounded Warrior Project, Orlando Marine affiliate, Orlando Army affiliate, Florida National Guard, Operation Gratitude and Operation Giveback (both Operation Gratitude and Giveback are nonprofits benefiting military personnel). In support of “Operation Gratitude Orlando,” a program designed to collect care packages and candy for American servicemen and women who are currently deployed in the hostile and remote regions of Iraq and Afghanistan, Magic fans were encouraged to drop off candy in the Disney Atrium during the game. Also, courtside seats were provided, courtesy of Harris Corporation, to the family of local military hero Patrick Corcoran, who was honored in a special halftime presentation.
Army Sgt. Major Patrick Corcoran began his 23-year Army career in 1986 when he was just 17 years old. On August 13, 2009 in Wardak, Afghanistan Sgt. Major Corcoran was severely injured when enemy forces ambushed his convoy and an improvised explosive device (IED) breached the hull of his armored vehicle. As a result, Corcoran is paralyzed from the waist down, and even though he has accepted his physical condition, he refuses to limit himself. It is with that mindset Corcoran hopes to go through law school and pursue a legal career.
“It is truly the Orlando Magic’s honor to recognize the brave men and women who dedicate their lives in service of our great country,” said Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins. “Together with Harris Corporation, we recognize the sacrifices made by not only the men and women in uniform but the families as well. They are all heroes.”
In honor of the annual Seats for Soldiers Night, the Magic hosted a military-themed Fan Fest. Other highlights included an on-court presentation to Hometown Hero Marine Sgt. Jorge Zapata. The Hometown Hero, presented by Harris Corporation, is an ongoing in-game recognition honoring first responders in the Central Florida community including emergency medical, fire, police and military.
