The Dallas Stars are honoring the service of America's bravest during Military and Veterans Appreciation Night, when they host the San Jose Sharks at 7:30 p.m. Friday night.
Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans will participate in the ceremonial puck drop prior to the game.
"What an incredible opportunity that will be," Evans said. "I'm so humbled to be a part of this."
Evans, a highly decorated veteran, author, and athlete, served 27 years in the Army before suffering a life-altering injury while deployed in Afghanistan.
As part of her injury, she lost her hearing. Recovery was hard.
"I was really at the end of my rope," Evans said. "I had done so many things to try to regain my passion and my purpose."
Evans credits her recovery to her work with service dogs, and America's VetDogs, an organization that provides veterans and first responders service dogs free of cost.
"America's VetDogs actually trained their first hearing dog for me," Evans remembered. "Her name was Aura. I don't want this to sound trite, but she really saved my life. Because she gave me that reason to get up every day, and supported me and loved me unconditionally. And I had a responsibility to her to take care of her."
Evans has since become a nationally-known motivational speaker and been inducted into the U.S. Army Women's Hall of Fame and U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame.
Proceeds from tonight's 50/50 raffle and warmup jersey auction will benefit America's VetDogs.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD