Warrior Wishes Come True Thanks To The Houston Astros!
My dad has been on the road since Tuesday. In 4 days, he has made Warrior Wishes come true at 2 Kansas City Royals Games & 2 St. Louis Cardinals games.
Once the Cardinals game had ended and the Warriors were on their way back home, my dad did his best to stay up all night to catch his 2 am $10 bus to Dallas. I called him at 1:30 to make sure he was awake.
My dad said he doesn’t remember much of the bus ride as he slept for 12 of the 15 hours. Thankfully the bus was on time, as he had less than an hour to spare to catch his connecting bus ride for $5 to Houston.
He arrived in Houston around 10:30pm and had spent more than 20 hours on the bus! I offered to get my dad a hotel, but he said he had been sleeping all day. He declined my offer & found a gym to get a good workout in and clean up.
He text me this morning and said this is where I slept
He was obviously joking, but it wouldn’t have surprised me. My dad made his way down to Minute Maid park first thing in the morning to meet up with Army SFC Omar Hernandez, Army SPC Jonathan Molina and their families to host them at the Astros game.
Both SFC Hernandez & SPC Molina have been guests of ours before at Texans games, but it’s always great to keep in touch and continue to remind them that their service and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. Plus today we also had the opportunity to host their families as well and the Astros had kids day where kids got to run the bases after the game!
Before the game we had lunch courtesy of Home Plate Bar & Grill located directly across the street from the main entrance of Minute Maid park. It the premier spot to meet up for delicious food and drinks before and after Astros games!
With full stomachs my dad let everyone choose a new New Era Astros Cap & everyone made their way across the street into the park. The Houston Astros provided awesome seats for the Warriors & their families.
The Warriors must have brought the Astros good luck as they went on to beat the division leading Seattle Mariners.
After the win, the kids made their way down to the field to take a trip around the bases. It was a perfect way to end the day.
We would like to thank the Houston Astros for providing tickets, New Era for providing Astros Caps & Home Plate Bar & Grill for hosting us for a delicious pre game meal.
TOGETHER WE MAKE WARRIOR WISHES COME TRUE!
My dad is getting treated to a 4 star hotel tonight thanks to the Priceline “Name your own price” tool. I offered $65 for the room and the deal was accepted! It was cheaper than naming my own price for a 2 star hotel & couldn’t pass it up.
He will be back on the bus at 7am to make his way back to Dallas where he will be making Warrior Wishes come true in a “suite” way at the Rangers game thanks to our friends at Globe Life Insurance!
Check back soon for more details.
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MEET THE WARRIORS
ARMY SPC JONATHAN MOLINA
Molina was injured on December 20, 2007 in Iraq. His injury took place while in route to their FOB. He was the driver of a humvee that hit a pressure plated IED. Our friend & 49ers Warrior (2012), Wesley Leon-Barrientos, was in the vehicle with Jonathan when the IED Exploded. Wes was left a double amputee while Jonathan sustained multiple fractures to his spine and hip area, a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury and developed PTSD shortly after.
Physically, Molina has healed well and has learned to tune out the chronic pain left by his injuries. Each day is a different day when dealing with the PTSD. He is grateful for everyday & so thankful to have made it this far.
ARMY SGT 1st CLASS OMAR HERNANDEZ
Army SGT 1st class Omar Hernandez received his first call to battle in 2003 as a combat engineer in Iraq. On June 6th, 2007 during his 3rd deployment, while on patrol, Hernandez and his comrades were ambushed. Before he could return fire, Hernandez was hit by a bullet that went through his leg. Ignoring the pain in his leg, Hernandez carried 2 other wounded soldiers to safety under heavy fire. For his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star.
“I couldn’t let anyone die out there, exposed like that,” Hernandez said. “They were under my command. I didn’t want anybody under my command to die.”
After recovering from his gunshot wound, he was deployed Afghanistan. On this deployment, Hernandez was removing a fellow soldier from harm when he fell into a well, and broke both of his legs. For his efforts, Hernandez received the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with the V Device, signifying his actions of valor in the battlefield.
After all that he has endured, Hernandez says that he would do it all over again. “Even knowing how it feels to be shot. He Said “I’m just glad that I was able to serve and do my duty to earn my freedom.”
