Army veteran Charles Hackney thought he was meeting a friend from Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) over brunch. Instead, he was surprised with Super Bowl tickets for him and fellow warriors Anwar Berry and Joe Daniels.
“I showed up thinking a warrior friend needed me,” Charles said. “One of the good things about Wounded Warrior Project is you have the opportunity to benefit other warriors. When they call, I’m there for other warriors, and I like to give back anywhere help is needed.”
He didn’t suspect he would get an invite directly from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who showed up with tickets in hand three weeks before the Super Bowl.
“The warriors knew each other, but we didn’t know about the surprise,” Charles said. His family also was surprised and supportive. “They know I’m a big sports fan.”
The veterans received free admission to the game, as well as the Super Bowl Experience in Atlanta the day before the game. They traveled together and supported each other when they needed a break from the crowd.
“I did feel a bit of anxiety right before the game, but then I saw my friends – we know it can feel that way sometimes and it’s just something you manage,” Charles said. “It was an overall amazing experience.”
Fellow Army veteran Joe agreed. “I had the time of my life,” Joe said. “I never thought I would have a chance to see childhood stars, as well as up-and-coming stars, in person. It really was a dream come true.”
In addition to attending connection events, Charles has also received career counseling from WWP. “They helped me put a resume together and apply for a promotion,” Charles said. “While planning a transfer to Florida, Wounded Warrior Project has put me in touch with Florida teammates who can orient me about housing and schools. I’ve found genuine people at Wounded Warrior Project and, as veterans, we feel the love and concern toward us and our families.”
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