Ahern Family Charitable Foundation to Host 12th Annual Army Navy Football Luncheon Supporting Children of Fallen or Deployed Troops
WOBURN/Nov 2015 As the nation prepares to salute our veterans tomorrow, the Ahern Family Charitable Foundation is announcing plans to host its 12th Annual Army-Navy Football Luncheon on Saturday, December 12th, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill in Woburn, MA. The luncheon will once again raise funds to support Operation Santa-Massachusetts through a partnership with Military Friends Foundation, a non-profit that provides financial assistance to families associated with the Massachusetts National Guard and Reserve. Proceeds will be used to provide holiday gift cards to more than 100 children of deployed and fallen troops. Families may apply for a gift card at www.militaryfriends.org/operationsanta
Attendees will watch the 116th Army-Navy football game in a larger than life experience on the Scoreboard’s nearly 50 HDTVs. In addition, the event will feature a buffet lunch, live and silent auction and raffle. MAGIC 106.7’s David O’Leary, who is part of the Honorary Host Committee, will serve as celebrity auctioneer. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/12th-annual-army-navy-football-luncheon-tickets-19147923956
Two Medal of Honor recipients Navy Lieutenant Tom Kelley and Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts will be honored at this year’s luncheon.
During the Vietnam conflict in June, 1969, Kelley was in charge of an 8-boat river convoy which came under attack inflicting a severe head wound. Unable to stand or speak clearly, he continued to relay directions to the convoy until all of the crippled boat were repaired and the group was able to move to safety. Despite losing an eye in the attack, Kelley remained on active duty and eventually retired with the rank of Captain in 1990. He most recently served as the Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2003-2011.
On July 13, 2008 near Afghanistan’s Kunar province Pitts was working as a forward observer when a fierce battle broke out. Even though he was shot in one arm and both legs and near death, he continued to lob dozens of grenades at militants so close he could hear them talking. At one point, he requested that his fellow soldiers fire upon his position to prevent the enemy from gaining ground. After successfully, and single-handedly, beating the enemy back, he continued to provide radio communications and ammunition to his comrades as they eventually took back the area.
Joining Kelley, Pitts, and O’Leary at the event are members of the Host Committee including MBTA Police Officer Dic Donohue, New England Patriots Hall of Famer Steve Grogan, Radio 92.9’s Amy Brooks, JW and Lori of the Country 102.5 Morning Team, Tina Gao of MAGIC 106.7, Matt Phipps from 92.5 WXRV, comedian Dave Russo and Frank Vento, General Manager of the Crowne Plaza and The Scoreboard in Woburn.
To date, the Ahern Family Charitable Foundation has raised more than $500,000 in helping to provide services to veterans and current members of the U.S. military and their families.
For tickets and additional information about the Army-Navy Football Luncheon and Ahern Family Charitable Foundation, visit www.ahernfoundation.org.
