Charlotte, N.C. -- Marines assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing stood alongside other service members during the 2nd Military Care Event at Time Warner Arena in Charlotte, N.C., Feb. 4.
Members of each branch of service packed and donated more than 10,000 care packages for service members overseas.
“This is one of our favorite events during the year,” said Fred Whitfield, president of Hornets Sports and Entertainment. “To be able to give back to the military, to be able to put together care packages that will go all over the world and having our team involved, is something that we feel great about.”
The service members were joined by the entire Charlotte Hornets team and coaching staff, assisted by 300 volunteers who packed and shipped almost 200,000 items to troops serving across the world. Along with personalized notes from players, executives and fans, the packages included toothbrushes, aspirin, soap and deodorant, among other items.
“To see all the excitement in the players’ eyes as they’re building these packages is something that truly shows the appreciation for all the dedication and hard work that our service members provided for us,” said Whitfield.
According to Lance Cpl. Cupid J. Baker, a water support technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, the event was a great opportunity to support a noble cause.
“It was an awesome feeling being involved in the event,” said Baker. “It makes me proud to be able to help out my fellow service members when they are away from their friends and family.”
Building the care packages side-by-side with the Hornets players was the best part, said Baker.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Baker. “All of the players on the team were awesome to be around. You could tell they really cared, which made the already great event even better.”