DALLAS -- Volunteers from 301st Fighter Wing, Dallas Mavericks, and The Texas Ramp Project assembled ramps during a Hoops for Troops event in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 6, 2021.
Hoops for Troops is an annual program the NBA hosts with participation from local military branches (DoD), United Services Organizations (USO), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and civilian organizations in an effort to give back to the community. Throughout the week leading to Veterans Day, military members volunteer with NBA employees, coaches and players to make positive impacts within their local communities.
“We want to support our military and our veterans as much as we can,” said Emily Luth, Dallas Mavericks manager of corporate social responsibility. “We want to make sure they know that we are here for them and we love serving alongside of them. We all are part of the Dallas/Fort Worth community.”
In the past, the Dallas Mavericks and 301st Fighter Wing volunteers have partnered with local food shelters to assemble care packages and meals to fight against hunger to those in need. This year, the volunteers helped The Texas Ramp Project install two ramps for two Dallas homebound families in need of better access getting in and out of their homes.
Kelly Gant, The Texas Ramp Project team lead, believes the project is important to the both recipients and the volunteers.
“This is one of the few things you can do in half a day which has such a profound impact on other people's lives,” said Gant. “It is also a chance to teach a volunteer who may have never held a tool before. I have a passion for teaching our volunteers and I hope they walk away with new skills.”
For Senior Airman Laura Mendoza, 73rd Aerial Port Squadron porter, service isn't anything new. However, this opportunity provided her a learning experience and chance to team up and serve with the Dallas Mavericks.
“It is nice to see the Dallas Mavericks working with veterans in the community,” said Mendoza. “This is my first time volunteering with a ramp build. I did some drilling, I helped carry some plywood and set up the ramp. The military is all about camaraderie and family. This is something we as veterans should be doing and I am glad the Mavs were here with us.”
The Texas Ramp Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to establish regional wheelchair ramp-building programs across Texas. The regional Ramp Projects provide free wheelchair ramps to elderly and disabled clients in need identified by local health care professionals. Ramps are built without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, age or gender.
"Thank you to all the volunteers who gave of their time and effort to help within the community," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Roman, 301 FW Public Affairs senior enlisted leader. "Most of the 301 FW Reserve Citizen Airmen live and work in the DFW area [when they are not in military status]. We are glad to be able to give back in any way we can in order to reciprocate the amazing support the 301 FW has received from our community."
**NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT IMPLIED**