Lax Action/Heroes Night: Doing Good With Military Friends

Bored with basketball season?  Had enough hockey?  Are you staring out your window right now wishing it was springtime so you could see your hometown team pick up a ball and head out on the field?

Well, bad news.  I’m the blogger who talks about volunteering, not one who can change weather conditions.  But if your idea of the hometown team has less to do with bats and more to do with sticks, we could make some progress.  And if you’re still considering ways to contribute positively to society, then we’re pretty much on the same page.  If you’re looking for something to do on a Saturday night, then we’re practically soulmates now, because I’m going to give you an opportunity to mix professional indoor lacrosse with Valentine’s weekend, all for a good cause.  I blew your mind there, right?

Check it:  On Saturday, February 12, the Boston Blazers and the Military Friends Foundation are hosting “Heroes Night” at the Blazers’ 7pm game at the TD Garden, honoring the memory of First Lieutenant Scott Milley.

You know the Blazers – they’re our indoor pro lax team.  As I understand it, indoor pro lax is like outdoor pro lax, except faster and more painful.  (So, hockey for people who don’t like ice?  I don’t know, I’m a runner.  You tell me what the difference is.)  And in case you missed it on your taxes last year, the Military Friends Foundation is a non-profit serving Massachusetts National Guard, Reserve, and Gold Star Families – it administers the Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund, which is on the Massachusetts State Tax Form voluntary contribution check-offs. (Question 32E, if you’re looking at your taxes right now!)

But back to our real purpose here:  remembering a fallen hero.

A 2005 graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury High School, Lt. Milley was an avid sports fan and talented athlete who played key roles on both his hockey and lacrosse teams, but his top priority was to serve to his country.  After graduating with honors from the University of New Hampshire, he became a U.S. Army Ranger.  He had just begun his tour of duty in Afghanistan when he was killed after his convey came under attack last November.

So, what does “Heroes Night” entail?

1. To honor Lt. Milley’s service and sacrifice, the Blazers will donate $5 from each ticket sold in advance to Military Friends programs for Massachusetts’ fallen heroes and other local military families.
2. The Blazers will also be dedicating the remainder of their 2010-2011 season to Lt. Milley, with each player will wear a special helmet patch designed by the Milley family.
3. You can expect to see a good turnout of military supporters, lax fans, and Lincoln-Sudbury/UNH alumni.
4. Something to do on the Saturday of Valentine’s Weekend that probably won’t involve pink and red hearts.  I think we can all agree that lacrosse is way cooler than romance.

Tickets for the February 12^th “Heroes Night” in memory of Lt. Milley can be purchased here.  So round up your favorite lax fans!  (Or aspiring lax fans!  Or people who enjoy live pro sports!)  The Blazers’ team colors are red, white, and black, but maybe we can make an exception and show our red, white, and blue in support of our troops and the families who love them.