Warrior Wishes Come True At The Cavs Game!
After completing our 5th annual “All32in17” mission where we hosted warriors at more than 45 NFL games, my dad spent some time catching up on sleep, and we planned our next missions.
So after about a month long break, it was time to get back in action! Over the next 10 days, my dad will be “back on the bus” literally… he will be making wishes come true at 11 NBA/NHL games in 10 days!
A late winter storm almost derailed the mission, but thankfully the weather cleared up before my dad’s bus rolled out at 7am to Cleveland for the Thursday night Cavs game.
Today we are honored to be hosting Army SPC Michael Dixon, a Purple Heart recipient and Army Natl Guard Brandon Klopfenstein, along with their wives, at the Cleveland Cavaliers game!
SPC Dixon Served in the Army from 2003-2006. He was a specialist who served as a Tanker in the 1st Cavalry Division. He deployed from 2004-2005 where he sustained injuries from a roadside car bomb, for which he was awarded a Purple Heart. He finished out his Service at Ft. Hood Texas and now resides in Ashtabula, OH.
SGT Klopfenstein Graduated from the same school Lebron James attended, St. Vincent St. Mary High School in Akron, OH. He served 6 years in the Ohio Army National Guard before being medically retired. He is a proud father of 2 girls and a boy.
Luckily my dad’s bus arrived on time at 3:35 with no delays, because he had to meet the Warriors at 4:45 at Harry Buffalo which was a 20 minute walk from the bus station.
Harry Buffalo in Cleveland has gone above and beyond over the past few years & provided delicious meals to the Warriors before Browns, Indians and Cavs games! The restaurant is conveniently located near the Cavs & Indians stadium. It’s the perfect place in Cleveland to meet up for great food and drinks before and after games! We recommend their famous wings! We cannot thank them enough for their generosity over the years.
After a great meal with the Warriors my dad gave everyone a brand new “New Era” Cavaliers Cap & told them they would be sitting front row in the 200 level at the game.
They made the one block walk over to Quicken Loans Arena and snapped a few pics in front of Stadium wearing their New caps.
Once the Warriors were inside getting ready for the game, my dad made his way back to Harry Buffalo to watch the game. SGT Klopfenstein & SPC Dixon both sent my dad pictures from inside the stadium.
They had a great time game watching the Jazz & Cavs go back and forth for most of the game. But Lebron James & the Cavs pulled away at the end for a 91-83 victory!
Brandon got a little “added bonus ” – at dinner he told my dad how that he wasn’t gonna get to see Kevin Love play cuz he was due back from injury NEXT game. Surprise – Kevin Love actually played tonight and contributed with 10 points and 9 rebounds!
Everyone had a great time at the game! We want to thank New Era for providing the Cavs Caps & Harry Buffalo for their continued support!
TOGETHER WE MAKE WARRIOR WISHES COME TRUE!
We also want to thank Sgt Klopfenstien & SPC Dixon for your service & sacrifices. It’s appreciated, has not gone unnoticed & will never be forgotten!
As I mentioned before, over the next 10 days, my dad will be making wishes come true in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC & Columbus. He’s killing time at the casino until his 2am overnight bus departs to Pittsburgh. Stay tuned to see wishes come true at tomorrow’s Penguins game!
Don’t forget to Nominate a Warrior for an upcoming game on our 2017 Battlefields to Ballfields Mission!
