Minnesota Timberwolves practice with 934 AW and military members

  • Published
  • By Capt. William-Joseph Mojica
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
11/25/2015 - MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION, Minn. --  
 The Minnesota Timberwolves held an open practice with members of the 934th Airlift Wing, the Minnesota National Guard, the Minnesota Air National Guard and local Veterans Tuesday at their practice facility, the Mayo Clinic Square in
Minneapolis.

This open special practice was held as part of the Minnesota Timberwolves
FastBreak Foundation which provides and supports hands-on programs that
positively impact the area.  Under this foundation, November is considered
Operation Minnesota Heroes month which serves to honor and recognize
Minnesota Troops and their families.

"Our heroes month, and all of you here are heroes, epitomizes how we try to
give back to the military," said Chris Wright, Team President of the
Minnesota Timberwolves.

The FastBreak Foundation works to ensure that servicemen and women from
Minnesota who dutifully serve their country at home and abroad are
recognized.

"On behalf of the NBA, our team and our staff, I want to thank you for
absolutely everything you do and everything you do for our country," Wright
said.

After a brief presentation, a brunch was provided followed by action on the
basketball court.  During this time, service members and players
participated together in a couple of games including 'pig', knockout and a
passing drill, all of which are rare experiences to have with NBA stars.

"People don't get to see something like this very often and it was very
humbling to experience," said Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Brien, Client Systems
Technician with the 934th Communication Squadron Focal Point.  "It's a great
feeling to know that we are appreciated," he said.

Asked what the players get out of this experience Interim Head Coach Sam
Mitchell indicated that the team really appreciates this opportunity.

"Our players understand, with all of the stuff going on in the world today,
they understand what our troops mean for their freedom.  They allow us the
ability to do what we do," said Mitchell.  "It never goes unnoticed and our
guys appreciate the sacrifice" he said.

As Thanksgiving nears, all parties involved felt thankful for such a
wonderful event and memorable experience.

"I really want to thank the Timberwolves for this opportunity," said Master
Sgt. Cory Copa 934th Aviation Resource Management NCOIC.  "I thought it was
an awesome experience to play with the players and I thought it was fun and
setup wonderfully for the troops," he said.