Each and every time Kyle Palmieri meets with a military member, he takes away something meaningful from the conversation. On the evening of February 23, he’ll have plenty more of those moments.
In just over week, the 28-year-old Palmieri, in his ninth NHL season, will host the inaugural Kyle Palmieri Foundation Military Ball. The event will raise money to support three military nonprofits: Service Women’s Action Network, National Military Family Association and Pets for Vets.
Don’t miss your chance to mingle with the @njdevils & support great military causes: @military_family, @PetsforVets & @Servicewomen. Details & tickets: https://t.co/1swms1h8Wq pic.twitter.com/Gt2r5nXK6p
— Kyle Palmieri Foundation (@KPalmieriFdn) January 30, 2019
For the New Jersey Devils forward, giving back to the military is deeply personal. His sister, Taylor, currently serves in the New York National Guard, and his brother-in-law, Stephen Ficchi, is a U.S. Army Ranger.
“It all started as a program where I was bringing veterans and their families to games, and getting some time to spend with these men and women who have served our country,” recalled Palmieri of the military recognition program called Squad21 he established in 2016, which still lives on through his foundation.
“I just kept on wanting to try and do more. Seeing some of the things that are challenges in their everyday lives, whether it’s while they’re deployed and support is needed for their families, or support that they need when they come back… it’s just so important for me to give back to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
Giving back is what the New York-born, New Jersey-raised forward did during this year’s All-Star Weekend.
The NHLPA and United Hockey League (UHL) All-Star Hero campaign, through the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund, recognized military personnel and their families by sending four service members (and a guest) to San Jose for the All-Star Game and All-Star festivities.
It also provided the chance for the military members to meet and interact with players in the NHLPA All-Star Lounge.
An honor to meet with the #YourAllStarHero service members being recognized by the @NHLPA and @United_HL this morning. Thank you for your service and I hope you and your families enjoy the rest of this weekend. pic.twitter.com/WTKoeFmJW6
— Kyle Palmieri (@kylepalmieri) January 26, 2019
Palmieri met with some of the special guests, including Sgt. Richard Silva, a United States Marine Corps veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor, who was medically retired in 2008.
It was an emotional moment for both men.
“It was awesome,” said Palmieri, the 26th overall selection of the Anaheim Ducks in 2009 who was dealt to the New Jersey Devils in 2015. “To have the chance to meet these people was something I won’t forget. The whole idea to bring the military members to All-Star was so cool. It was awesome to see smiles on their faces, and to have the opportunity to get to know them and their stories. I know they had a great time that weekend and I know I had a great time meeting them and their families.”
Sgt. Michael Brewer, MCpl. Stephen Giza, and Lt. Col. Darrin Janisch were also on hand as the other three 2018-19 #YourAllStarHero winners.
Soon, Palmieri will enjoy similar experiences through the Military Ball that takes place at Nanina’s in the Park. VIP Tickets enable guests to have a one hour mix and mingle with Devils players prior to the General Admission doors opening at 7 p.m. ET.
“For my teammates to come out and support this event and my foundation, I’m extremely grateful,” said Palmieri. “It’s hard to plan an event like this during the season, but I’ve got nothing but great support from the guys and the organization, in order to make the night a huge success. I’m really excited about it.”
He’s eager to say thank you to those he has such high regard for.
“There are so many different situations people are put in throughout the course of their military career. This is an opportunity for me to give back and to support them, to let them know we care and we appreciate everything they’ve done. It will also be a chance for me to meet the people behind the nonprofits that do so much for the military. I’m just really looking forward to it all.”
Click here to purchase your ticket and join Kyle and many others raise money for three very worth causes.
