It was a night for the heroes in Dallas on Monday.
Around 120 veterans from San Antonio’s Brooke Army Medical Center and the Texas Army National Guard attended the 17th Annual Seats for Soldiers event.
The rare and unique experience was hosted by Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse, the Dallas Mavericks, and American Airlines.
Seats for Soldiers honors wounded or ill military members who have dedicated their lives to service by gifting veterans an event-filled night in the city with star-like treatment.
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The day began with American providing charter transportation between San Antonio and Dallas Fort Worth for Brooke Army Medical Center service members with American’s pilots and flight attendants volunteering their time for the special flight.
“For the past 17 years, Seats for Soldiers has been a special event for the American Airlines team — and one that I am especially proud to be part of as an Army veteran myself,” said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are grateful for our team of volunteers and our partners at Nick & Sam’s and the Dallas Mavericks for coming together to honor our nation’s heroes in such a meaningful way each year.”
Once in Dallas, their first stop was an evening in Uptown Dallas at Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse to enjoy a special three-course dinner.
This year’s menu was created by Nick & Sam’s Corporate Chef and Partner Samir Dhurandhar and featured an Allen Brother filet mignon and “Salt n Pepper" Scottish Salmon main dish option with sides.
“Tonight is giving the families and the soldiers an opportunity to recap and rekindle what they’ve missed. To me, growing up, that was all about the meal, you sat down and you were one,” said Angela Ridley, Staff Sergeant SRU.
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After their meal, the group headed straight to American Airlines Center to hang out courtside and watch the Dallas Mavericks play against the Orlando Magic.
“Veterans are a big deal and they should be – this is a way of us thanking them. Again, we owe them much more than one dinner but it’s a start,” said Sam Romano, Nick & Sam’s Majority Owner.
The game was followed by a meet-and-greet session with players and entertainers.
All tickets are donated by season ticket holders for the annual event. More than 400 seats worth over $40K in value were offered to active duty, veterans, Gold Star Family members, and surviving spouse military members.
“It is our honor to recognize and celebrate these brave men and women in uniform,” said Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall. “Because of their sacrifice, we are free to enjoy the game we love with the people we love, and we are grateful for their service.”
