OPERATION HORNET
The Charlotte Hornets partner with the Ft. Bragg Program; Operation Hero to address challenges faced my military children (feelings of isolation, self-doubt, frequent or long-term deployments by one or both parents and academic difficulties due to frequent moves.) Students receive custom letters from the organization, signed by players and Hugo. They also receive a Hornets prize pack including signed player cards, Hugo books and souvenirs. One game per season, a bus of students and families will be chosen to attend a Hornets matinee home game. Once per season, the Hornets Hoops team to put on a clinic at Ft. Bragg YMCA with player appearance. The Hornets Book Bus will perform a Book Bus reading show on base.
YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM
The Hornets honor military veterans and retirees for their unwavering service to our country and their impact in the community. The Yellow Ribbon Program recognizes one of these heroes during Hornets home games throughout the season. Recipients are acknowledged prior to the national anthem and during an on-court presentation and given six tickets to the game.
If you know a military veteran or retiree who illustrates great character, service, and community impact, nominate your hero today for a chance to be our next Yellow Ribbon Program recipient.
Nominations may be submitted by anyone, at any time, during the year. Self-nominations are welcomed.
21-22 Yellow Ribbon Recipients
Sergeant Aaron Harper, USMC, Ret. – Interview | Photos
Sergeant Major Adrian Hamrick, USA, Ret. – Interview | Photos
Petty Officer First Class Kerri-Ann Burke, USN, Ret. – Interview Coming March 24th | Photos Coming March 24th
MILITARY CARE
In partnership with Bank of America, the Charlotte Hornets host an annual Military Care event. This unique community initiative features volunteers from both organizations, including the entire Hornets team and coaching staff, packing care kits for deployed U.S. military service members. The care kits, which include snacks, pocket flags and thank you notes, are distributed by the USO of North Carolina to U.S. troops around the world.
VETERAN'S HOME REBUILD
The Charlotte Hornets and Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte rebuilt the home of U.S. Army Veteran Bobby Street. The Charlotte Hornets Foundation donated $15,000 toward the repairs, which included demolishing a previous addition to the home, rebuilding the kitchen and bathroom, replacing the roof, refinishing the floors, painting and cleaning up landscape. Volunteers from the Hornets and partner Bank of America assisted with the project, while Hornets partner Ashley HomeStore and local nonprofit Beds for Kids provided new furniture for the home. Without the help of these organizations, Mr. Street would have had to continue living in his condemned and unsafe home.
FOUNDATION MILITARY GRANT
In partnership with Budweiser, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation provided a mobility service dog to a veteran in the Carolinas as a part of the Hornets' ongoing commitment to recognize, thank and support military service members and veterans for their unwavering sacrifice and service to our country.
RECAP - Photos
HORNETS SALUTE
In partnership with Bank of America, Hornets Salute recognizes active duty service members in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Hornets team with the USO of North Carolina to host eight service members stationed in North or South Carolina at various home games throughout the NBA season.
VETERAN INTERNSHIP STIPEND PROGRAM
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation and Fox Sports Southeast donated $200,000 to Central Piedmont Community College’s (CPCC) Veteran Employment Fund to establish the Veteran Internship Stipend program. This program allows veterans to pursue internships for academic credit while earning an hourly wage to help support themselves and their families. Stipends are awarded for both fall and spring semesters. LEARN MORE
PURPLE HEART HOMES
The Charlotte Hornets Military Grant provided $20,000 to Purple Heart Homes to aid in their mission of making homes accessible to veterans. Additionally, staff from the Charlotte Hornets build Mr. Andrews, a Vietnam War veteran, a ramp to his home while volunteers from Husqvarna assisted with yard work.
