For the ninth year, the Atlanta Hawks professional basketball team partnered with leading alcohol brand, Crown Royal, to recognize and honor military veterans in and around the Atlanta area. On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the NBA team held its ninth annual “Crowning Courage” event as the Atlanta Hawks took on the Toronto Raptors. Among the many distinguished guests at this year’s event were members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Georgia, who were invited through the generous efforts of Operation Warrior Wishes Foundation. Coordinated by District 2 Commander Jason Nichols in conjunction with Operation Warrior Wishes, members from across the State of Georgia enjoyed a first-class experience at State Farm Arena. The Operation Warrior Wishes Foundation is “on a mission to honor heroes & keep legacies alive by providing unforgettable experiences to Warriors from the Battlefields to the Ballfields.”
Military service members and veterans were treated to a VIP, courtside experience. Atlanta Hawks principal owner, Jami Gertz expressed, “it is a true honor and privilege to bring these brave individuals together for our ninth annual Crowing Courage event; this annual gathering is one of the many ways we express our gratitude for the sacrifices made by these extraordinary men, women, and their families.”
Each year, this event grows, enabling the NBA and Atlanta-around communities to recognize and honor those brave men and women who have served in uniform to secure our nation’s freedoms. “Through this collaboration, we’re proud to offer an experience that recognizes the dedication and sacrifices of those who’ve served, while creating a memorable moment of appreciation for their selflessness and service,” states Crown Royal’s Vice President of Marketing, Hadley Schafer.
A Night of Honor and Celebration
Members of VFW Department of Georgia were recognized and treated to a once-in-a-lifetime NBA experience. Among those honored at this year’s event was Georgia VFW State Commander Joe Couch. He was accompanied by fellow state officers including Sr Vice Commander Bill Miles, State Adjutant Tony Dobbins, Judge Advocate Sherrod Conyers, Chief of Staff Wayne Collins, District 1 Commander Dwayne Kilbourne, and District 2 Commander Jason Nichols. An evening filled with camaraderie, great food, and world class sports entertainment – the event was one that veterans from across the metro-Atlanta area will NOT forget. “The hospitality was impeccable,” says Georgia VFW State Sr Vice Commander, Bill Miles. “Thank you, Atlanta Hawks, Crown Royal, and our dear friends at Operation Warrior Wishes. Comrades from VFW Department of Georgia were thankful for the opportunity to enjoy camaraderie, community, and fun.”
Fans of adult drinking age in attendance were able to stop at Crown Royal packing stations around the arena to participate in Crown Royal’s Purple Bag Project that focuses on packaging and shipping care packages for those forward-deployed across the world. In addition, Hawks fans in attendance could write thank you notes that were later provided to service members and veterans honored at the Crowning Courage event.
Thanks to the kind donations of many corporate partners of the Atlanta Hawks in addition to the numerous generous courtside season ticket holders, this military service members and veterans recognition event is possible. Veterans and family members were able to interact with fellow veterans and meet and interact with Hawks legend, Dominique Wilkins. Additionally, State Judge Advocate Sherrod Conyers was invited to participate in a friendly veteran competition on the court in front of a packed crowd.
With over 1,000 veterans honored since 2016 at this annual event, the Atlanta Hawks continue to set a standard and example within the NBA, going over and above to consistently and creatively honor our nation’s military members and veterans. Georgia VFW commends the Atlanta Hawks and its partners for recognizing the nation’s brave warriors year in and year out through events in “Crowning Courage.”
