Warrior Wishes Come True Thanks To The Blackhawks!
If you have been following our mission for a while, you know my Dad has slept in a lot of random places while on the road making Warrior Wishes come true.
I told him that he should have just slept over at the United Center on Saturday night after the Bulls game and watch them convert the basketball court into the hockey rink as he had to be back there first thing Sunday morning to make Warrior Wishes come true at the Blackhawks game. He liked the idea, but made the decision to come home to sleep in his bed before making his way back to the “Madhouse on Madison” at 6am Sunday.
We had the honor of hosting Marine Corporal Jacob Wunder at his first ever Blackhawks game to thank him for his service & sacrifices.
Jake served our country for 5 years in the Marines. He was deployed twice to Afghanistan in his military career. Jake’s wife nominated him for this experience. She says “Jake is the hardest working man she knows. He strives to help others loves his fellow veterans & his country.” She also mentioned that he is a HUGE Blackhawks fan & had never been to a game.
If you have ever had the opportunity to attend a Blackhawks game in person, you know what an amazing experience it is. There is an energy inside the stadium unlike any other sports arena in the country. From the most Patriotic National Anthem presentation in the country (that will give you goosebumps) to the final horn, the Blackhawk experience is incredible! We were excited to have the opportunity to thank Jake for his service by providing this experience to him for the first time.
Before the game, My dad met up with Jake & his wife at the World Famous Billy Goat Tavern. Needless to say he was pumped up for the game!
With full stomachs they walked a few blocks to the United Center where my dad snapped a few pics with Jake & his wife in their new New Era Blackhawks caps outside the stadium before they made their way in to watch the Hawks face off against the Bruins.
The Hawks gave Cpl Wunder plenty to cheer about as they jumped out to a 6-0 lead. Patrick Kane had a hat trick before the end of the 2nd period! Chelsea Dagger was on repeat… (if you’re a hawks fan you will understand) The Bruins shut down the Hawks from there on and scored 4 goals of their own but it was too little too late and the Hawks won the game 6-4. Needless to say Jake had a great time at his first ever hawks game & his experience isn’t over yet! The Blackhawks invite Cpl Wunder to their morning skate on Tuesday!
UPDATE
Corporal Wunder had an unforgettable time at the Blackhawks morning skate as he had the opportunity to watch the team practice from the Front Row!!! It was incredible how fast and skilled these guys are on skates!
After practice many of the Hawks players stopped by to sign autographs and show their appreciation for Jake’s service & sacrifices. Including team captain Jonathan Toews!
The smile on his face said it all, he had a great time & we can thank the Blackhawks enough for giving us the opportunity to host him at the practice. It was a once in a lifetime experience that he will never forget!
We would like to thank the Billy Goat Tavern for providing a delicious meal before the game for the 2nd straight day, New Era Caps for the awesome Blackhawks Caps & The Chicago Blackhawks for an unforgettable experience at the Morning skate Tuesday morning!
TOGETHER WE MAKE WARRIOR WISHES COME TRUE!
After my dad got Jake & his wife inside the stadium, he made his way back home & I put him to work to help me clear out some bushes & trees around my deck.
He will be on the road for the rest of the week making stops in St Louis, Memphis, Dallas, New Orleans & Atlanta to make Warrior Wishes come true! Make sure to follow the mission all year long!
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Dont forget to nominate your hero for an upcoming game on our Battlefields to Ballfields mission!
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