Game 47 – The Browns make Warrior Wishes Come True!
Since kicking off our 2017 “All32in17” mission in September, my dad has traveled back & forth across the country making warrior wishes come true at more than 40 NFL games this season. He has hosted warriors at all but one stadium. That stadium was first energy stadium in Cleveland. Home of the Cleveland Browns.
Immediately following the Lions game in Detroit, my dad hopped on an overnight bus to Cleveland to make wishes come true at our final game of the regular season.
He arrived in Cleveland at around 5am. My dad spent all morning getting work done while hanging out at the casino (the only place open all night).
Today’s season finale marks the 6th consecutive year that we have completed our “All32in17” mission to host warriors at a game in all 32 NFL Stadiums in one season! We are very thankful to everyone who helped us make it all possible. We truly couldn’t have made this year’s mission a success without you!
We were honored to be hosting Army Sgt Bryan O’Kelley & Army Sgt Chad Laubenthal at the Browns game.
We have made some unforgettable memories making wishes come true at in Cleveland. Here are some of our favorite moments!
My dad met up with the warriors for lunch before the game at Harry Buffalo. Harry Buffalo has been helping us make wishes come true in Cleveland for the past few years.
With their combination of delicious food, refreshing drinks & awesome location, Harry Buffalo makes for the perfect spot to meet up before and after all Browns games! We are thankful for their support!
My dad enjoyed getting to know the warriors over lunch. He learned that this is Bryan’s First Game In over 30 years! Michael Ferencz, brother of fallen Army Cpl Stephen McGowan, also joined the group for lunch. Michael & his family were our VIP guests this past summer for the Indians game. Michael told my dad that they chose Operation Warrior Wishes as their charity to donate to for their annual Golf Outing in honor of CPL Stephen McGowan & presented a check to him. What an honor!
My dad presented each warrior with thank you letters from the students & new Browns Caps, courtesy of New Era.
Thanks to the Cleveland Browns, the warriors got some extra special VIP treatment. They got to enjoy the pregame from the sidelines! Needless to say, they enjoyed the once in a lifetime experience!
While they enjoyed the pregame festivities on the field, my dad made his way up to the seats & waited for the group to arrive.
The Browns had some high expectations going into the 2017 season. However, they have fallen short of their expectations and were still looking for their first win of the year. With the warriors back at the seats, they all hoped they could bring them some luck and witness the first win.
Unfortunately, the Ravens, who were fighting for a playoff spot, defeated the Browns 27-10 and dropped the Browns record to 0-14 on the year…
Despite the loss, the warriors enjoyed this unforgettable experience! We couldn’t have made it all possible without the generosity of the Cleveland Browns. They truly went above and beyond to make the warriors day special by providing tickets and field passes!
Operation Warrior Wishes would also like to thank Brock & Jill at Harry Buffalo for providing the delicious Pre Game Meal, New Era Cap for providing the Browns Caps to the warriors and to the students at Ridge View Elementary & Clinton Schools for the thank you letters for the warriors!
TOGETHER WE MAKE WARRIOR WISHES COME TRUE!
Most importantly, we want to thank Army Sgt Chad Laubenthal, Bryan O’Kelley & CPL Stephen McGowan & Family for their service and sacrifices. You are appreciated & will never be forgotten! We salute you!
My dad will be hopping on an overnight bus to head home for the holidays after making Warrior Wishes come true at All 32 NFL stadiums in one season for the 6th straight year!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
My dad will be back on the road for the NFL Playoffs and will be making wishes come true at Basketball & Hockey games until our 2018 Battlefields to Ballfields mission begins in April. Stay tuned for more details!
