PHOENIX - Arizona Army and Air National Guardsmen were honored for their combat service Feb. 15 with an opportunity to score against NBA celebrities Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson in the NBA All-Star 2009 weekend here.
But the venue was not a basketball court. Instead the troops vied for a chance to play the new EA Sports NBA Live 09 one-on-one versus the pros via Xbox Live.
Army Spc. Aaron Patten, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, climbed his way to the top of the brackets to play against O'Neal of the Phoenix Suns in the finals.
Army Staff Sgt. Steven Barrett took second place and played against David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs.
O'Neal and Robinson signed autographs, posed for photos, and shook hands with the troops. David Robinson also corresponded with, and played live via satellite, a wounded warrior recovering from his injuries in Iraq.
O'Neal made the event an extra special occasion via satellite for deployed Air Force Master Sgt. Anthony James and his family. O'Neal hoisted Trey James, the sergeant's son, up to the Web camera for a surprise appearance and conversation with his dad.
The father and son have been separated for two years due to James' continuous deployment in support of the on-going military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The masterminds behind the concept of matching up professional athletes with returning and deployed troops are Greg and Addie Zinone, co-founders of Pro vs. GI Joe.
"Doin' a little for those who do a lot" is their motto. Pro vs. GI Joe also coordinated the visit for Trey James on his 8th birthday to visit with his dad.
Addie, who twice-deployed with the Army Reserves, realized first-hand the importance of maintaining morale for deployed troops. "So many of them are gamers on their down town anyway," she said. "We were able to team up with the USO [United Service Organizations, Inc.] to enable deployed troops to play against celebrities who are stateside."
"This was definitely a morale booster," said Patten. "These athletes have a lot of time to do so many other things, and taking time out to play with us is so cool," he said.
Although David Robinson competed against the troops, he also took time to honor the Guardsmen who are still deployed overseas: "Hang in there," he said. "We really appreciate what you're doing. It means a lot to us, and it doesn't go unnoticed. When you come back, we'll give you a hero's welcome."
Robinson is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and a Navy veteran. Shaquille O'Neal's dad is a retired Army veteran. O'Neal was named co-MVP at the all-star game later in the evening.