Dec 11th 2011

My name is Zachary Durham and I am 20 years old. I am a Specialist in the US Army. On April 23rd, 2011 I was wounded in Afghanistan from a gunshot wound to the chest. My injury has left me with partial paralysis in my dominant arm (left). I now reside at home in Ames, Iowa attending Iowa State University and medical appointments. It has always been my dream since I was young to see the Green Bay Packers play. Recently I found tickets through Veterans Advantage. Unfortunately, due to tickets being hard to find, price inflation affects the prices tremendously. I am hoping to get two tickets, for myself and one companion, to attend the game at Lambeau the weekend before Thankksgiving, as that works best for my school schedule.

Nov 20th 2011

Hi my name is SSG Phillip Slaughter. My wish is for me, my dad, and my wife, who are all Cowboys fans, and my father in law, who is a Redskins fan, to go and enjoy the game between the Redskins and the Cowboys at Fedex field on November 20th as a family. It has been one thing I have been wanting to do for awhile but was unable to because of all of my deployments. This would mean alot to both of my fathers and my wife if this wish could be fullfilled.

Nov 19th 2011

My name is SFC Marvin Mitchell. I am an active duty soldier who has been in the Army for 17 years and who will be deploying in early Dec. It will be my 4th deployment. I am also a father of 6 of the best kids in the world between the ages of 2-13. I am hoping to be able to get enough tickets to take my family to the Shrine Circus it will be close to us on Nov 18-20 and I would really love to take my children and wife to the Circus before I leave. It would be their first time to the Circus and I would like to share that with them. I would need a total of 8 tickets for my family. Thank you.

Nov 19th 2011

My name is Monica Matous and I have known my husband for 2 years now. Until recently, we were not in the same unit. We were in two different units at Fort Riley, and with both units deploying, we hardly had time together. We went to field training excercises at different times. I spent a month in California for preperation for deployment, only for my husband to go to Louisana a week later for his month long deployment training. He then deployed a month after returning. I was not able to deploy right away, but in April I was finally moved to my unit, where I then deployed in June. Out of the two years together, we have only seen each other approximately 8 months together, including the now 4 months we have been together here in Iraq. During training and deployment, my two children, Paige and JP, have been with their father in Texas so in the last two years I haven't been able to see them much either. This meaning that we have not really been able to have any fun, quality, family time together. My Husband and I will be returning from Iraq this month. We have always wanted to go to a Texas football game, however with both of us being in the army, we have not been able to. We are hoping to take our two kids, Paige and JP, to the November 19 Texas vs Kansas State football game

Nov 12th 2011

My name is SSG Kory Ball and I have served for over 8 years, including 3 deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan for a total of 48 out of 100 months deployed. I am currently deployed in Afghanistan and I am due back to the states in about a month. I love serving in the Army but it definitely has its downfalls. I was recently blessed with a beautiful niece, Sydney. Unfortunately, due to this deployment, I have only seen her in pictures. Being an Oregon Duck fan runs in the family, and we have continued the trend with the best niece in the world joining the Duck fan base. My family and I are very close. They have kept me strong throughout my 4 deployments. It has been a life long dream of mine to see the Duck’s play in person. It would mean even more doing that with my best friend and family. My family truly is my support system, and without them my Army career would not be possible. I would love to make up for all the holidays missed and time away from my family, by taking them to this game and making the family Dream Come true. Thanks a lot, SSG Kory Ball.

Nov 6th 2011

My name is Rachel Bufkin and I am a Specialist in the United States Army. I have been in for 2 and a half years. I am currently serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan. I got here 20 July and will be here til July 2012. I go on leave Oct 29-Nov 13 (depending on flights from Kuwait). I would like to obtain 4 tickets to the Indianapolis Colts game on 6 November. I am married, and have two boys, Xavior is 6 and Maddox is 4. I am requesting four tickets because there are four in my family. I deployed 20 July 2011 to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Late November, when I return from leave I will be moving FOB's. My unit, 14th Engineer Battalion, stationed out of Fort Lewis, WA will be here until July 2012. Unfortunately, our orders were cut before January so we are on a year deployment instead of nine months. I am originally from Indiana and that is why I am requesting Colts tickets. I understand you only get a limited number and if my request is not met, I completely understand. I just wanted to take my family to a Colts game while I am on leave. The Colts are really the only team I will be able to attend because I can't go outside the radius of my leave location unless it is within a certain amount of miles. Thank you for what you do.

Oct 29th 2011

I am just returning from my second tour overseas. I served with the hardest hit unit to date in Iraq in 2005 where my unit and I lost 48 men. I am just returning from Afghanistan. My heroes wish is to fullfill mine and my wife's dream of visiting and attending a home Notre Dame football game. My son was 9 1/2 months old when I left and he is now 22 months old. I would love to be able to give back to my family for all they did for me while I was deployed. They were so strong and supportive and helped me get through and I can't tell you how it would feel to be able to share this with them. I am requesting 2 adult and 1 child ticket to ANY home football game as well as a hotel room for the weekend.

Oct 14th 2011

My name is Joseph Curtis and MY wish is to be able to get tickets for my wife, her friend Jennifer and her brother to a 3 Doors Down concert on 14 October. It would be great if they could get a meet and greet but I am not sure how much that would cost. It would be really nice if I were just able to get tickets for my wife and her best friend whom helped her with all the stress since I've been gone. I wish this because I have been on deployment 8 months now and even though it has been a hard time for me, it has been harder on her. She has been taking care of our two children and throughout the 8 months unexpected things have occured. Her friend Jennifer and her brother have been there for her through everything and helped out alot. I just want to thank them for helping her through this difficult time and be able to just give her sometime of enjoyment through these tough 8 months. A 3 doors down concert,

Oct 8th 2011

I would love to get two tickets to the UFC fight in Houston on October 8th. My husband is on his third deployment and returning around the end of August. His birthday is October 9th and he has always wanted to go to a live UFC fight. He is an avid fan ever since he went through combatives while being a drill Sgt at Fort Knox, Kentucky. We usually watch the fights at home with friends on PPV, but during his deployment he might have been able to watch one or two fights because the AFN situation didn't cooperate. Granting him this wish would mean so much to him and to me. Our 11 year anniversary is September 22nd, and this will be the first year out of many that he will even be around for it. October 8th is close to our anniversary date, so that would be a great gift for both of us as well. Being a military spouse, raising two girls by myself, working full time and taking college courses while he is deployed is very hard on us as a family, and I can't wait for him to get home! He missed the birth of our 2nd daughter by two weeks when he deployed from Germany in 2003. I hope you can make this wish come true for him! Thank you so much!

Oct 8th 2011

Howdy! Just getting back from a year long tour in Western Afghanistan. I had the privilege of providing aerial support and security as an Apache Longbow attack pilot/gunner. Our main mission was to keep the ground troops safe. We worked mostly with Army and Marines, but also provided support for all our NATO allies in the region, mainly the Italian and Spanish forces. I have been a UFC fan for quite some time now, and looked forward to watching the fights every few weekends before I left. Because of my schedule while deployed, I only got to see 1 fight the whole year. My dream was to be able to take my wife and a few friends to an actual live UFC event before I go back to Afghanistan in 17 months. It would be such an honor to be able to attend the one in Houston, which is less than an hour from my house. Thank you so much for the support! My family and I are truly grateful!

Sep 26th 2011

My name is Paul Meigs and I have been in the military for 14 years. In 2006 I moved to FT Carson, CO. and I have not been home, to the east coast, to see my family since. I have been deployed twice since I moved out here; AUG 07 - OCT 08 and MAR 10 - MAR 11. My brother and I used to be close but we don't talk as much anymore. We have not seen each other since Jan '05. I thought since he is a big Redskins fan and I being a huge COWBOYS fan that maybe the two of us and our wives, could go to the new COWBOYS stadium to see a game together. I don't believe he has ever been to a pro game before and it would be a good time to catch up on old times.

Sep 17th 2011

I am stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany and returned home from my second deployment to Iraq since 2007 in December 2010. I will be going home to visit my family for the first time since 2009 and I am dying to go to a Florida State Football game. Fortunately and Unfortunately, the only game while I am home is the FSU vs OU game and tickets for good seats are outrageous. Because of the amount of money I am spending for plane tickets for me and my wife to fly back to the US my funds are limited for tickets. Florida State University is only selling this ticket in a 3 game pass and I will only be home for the one game. I am not asking for free tickets, I would just appreciate a good price on four tickets for my wife, brother, father and myself to attend the game. Everything I have found is over 300 dollars for tickets on the sidelines. Because this is such a great game and my first game in years I would like to be able to find seats on the sideline for a decent price. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sep 9th 2011

My wish is to attend the Arizona State vs. Missouri game on Fri Sept 9th with my family, my wife and 4 kids. My wish is to attend the game and sit in the new Sun Devil Suites to get the greatest game experience possible. I am a native of Arizona and have been an ASU fan all my life. I am preparing to deploy again on a back to back rotation cycle and would love to have the greatest game experience possible while I am home for the couple months in between deployments. I appreciate you taking the time to view my wish and thank you for your efforts.

Sep 7th 2011

I am currently deployed in Afghanistan, but will be returning from my tour mid-March! Like most Soldiers, I have been deployed 12 months over the 2 years. I have been in the military for 22 years and have been deployed twice, once in each conflict. My family and I are big NFL fans and have never been able to go to any games due to time and resources. It has been hard on me, my wife and our children. When I have been home we play football together and my whole family gets involved. I would really like to take my family to their first NFL game when I return. I am stationed in Colorado, so the Broncos are the closest NFL team to us. I selected the Denver vs Chargers game to take them to, but any Denver Broncos game would be great. Thank you for considering my Hero’s Wish!

Aug 27th 2011

I will be on leave in August along with my son who is also deployed to iraq. I would really like it if we could go to Six Flags Fiesta Texas with 1 or 2 day park tickets and kinda get away from the day to day life...something extra special before we have to go back. My son and I have deployed together our last deployment but this time I am deployed to afghanistan and he is deployed to Iraq. My wife and my four girls have endured two straight deployments with both men of the house gone. So it will not only be a special event to reward my daughters for all their help, but a celebration for my youngest daughters birthday, and also a chance for me to have some extra special memories before I deploy again to Afghanistan and my son returns to Iraq.

Aug 12th 2011

Hello my name is SPC Navarro, I will be deploying to Afghanistan, I am married and have 2 kids. My wife and my kids are my treasures. I love them so much. My daughter is 3 years old and her birthday will be coming up, but unfortunately, I will miss her birthday since I will be overseas. Her biggest wish is to meet Mickey mouse... I will love to be able to take my family to disneyland before i deploy and be able to spend some very special memories with my family. 2 day hopper tickets will be so great but anything will be gladly appreciated . Thank you so much on behalf of me and my family.

Jul 6th 2011

I will be on leave in July and I would really like it if we could go to disneyland with 3 day park hopper tickets and kinda get away from the day to day life so its extra special before I have to go back. My wife has family nearby so we don't have to pay lodging. My oldest son is 6 years old and he has been a wonderful help to my wife, both around the house, and with our new baby who will be turning one during my r&r. So it will not only be a special event to reward my oldest for all his help, but a celebration for my youngest sons birthday, and also a chance for me to have some extra special memories before I have to go back to Afganistan.

Jul 1st 2011

Born and raised in Chicago, I have grown up as a Die Hard Cubs fan. I went to many games with my grandfather back in the 80's and with friends and family in the 90's. I brought my wife to her first Cubs Game back in the early 90's. But, being in the Military and with all the deployments and moving around I have never had the opportunity to bring my whole family to a game. I am a father of three awesome childeren, Kayla 17, Mariah 15, and Brian Jr., 12. My dream is to be able to treat my wife Betsy and my three kids to box seats at a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field. My Mother who lives in the Chicago area and who is as big a Cubs fan as I am has not been to a game in over 20 years. She has had a few health setbacks in the past few years. If possible I would love to be able to bring her with my wife and I and her three grandchilderen. This year the Cubs are hosting the NY Yankees...THAT would be the ultimate dream come true!

Jun 23rd 2011

My name is MSgt Robert Zehnder. I made the choice many years ago to serve my country in the Air Force, and I have just returned from my 3rd deployment. Because of my commitment to the Air Force, and to our great country, I have missed many important dates with my family, including birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. Because of my example, both of my children have followed in my footsteps and enlisted in the Air Force to serve along side of their dear old Dad. Both my son and my daughter make me very proud with their service as Security Forces Fire team members. I am sure that there are many others more deserving of this wish than I. But if awarded a Hero's Wish, I would like to attend the Kenny Chesney concert at Blossom Music Center, June 23, 2011. I know this is a reach but I would like to meet Mr. Chesney and shake his hand to thank him personally for the support he shows our all of our troops. I would very much like to share this experience with my wife, as she has been the backbone of my military career and deserves this wish more than I do. Thank you in advance for your consideration in making my Hero’s Wish come true! Vettix is an amazing organization that has helped soldiers I know personally. Thank you very much for your consideration and for all you do for our veterans.

Jun 11th 2011

Hi everyone. I just got back from Afghanistan and re-united with my family earlier this year and now have been informed I am going back to the same place this Jan. I would love to be able to take my whole family of 10 to the Kenny Chesney Concert at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI on June 11, 2011 on my R&R. My first child was born during my last deployment. My wife and I are blessed to have such a giving family that they helped her through everything while I was overseas. I got back looking forward to spending quality time with everyone after I got done with some re-class training. To not much surprise at all I will be heading back to Afghanistan very soon. It would be a dream come true to be able to take the whole family to a concert that they would love as a thank you for all they have done for my family. I myself have not ever been to a concert and would love to see some of my favorite performers live. I have never been the one to ask for much but I know there is no way that I could do this on my own. Thank you for all you guys do. Vet Tix is an amazing organization that has helped soldiers I know personally. Thank you again.

May 30th 2011

On 24 September 2008 in Charkh Logar Province, the lead Humvee that Steve Martin was riding in was hit with an IED, Improvised Explosives Device. Steve was in Afghanistan embedded with the US Army as a Law Enforcement expert to assist in training the Afghan Police Force. Steve was blown thru the top of his vehicle and laid unconscious as Al-Qaeda fighters were dragging him away. If not for the actions of his squad leader Steve would not be here today. After a long journey home and numerous surgeries it was finally decided that it would be best to remove both legs...that surgery occurred on 3 November 2009. He has worked hard and recovered “one step at a time”...his first day back on the job and in uniform for AZ Department of Public Safety was 18 November 2010. Steve’s Hero’s Wish is to one day throw out the First Pitch to a home game for his favorite team...the Arizona Diamondbacks. Baseball has always been his first love and ever since the Diamondbacks came into existence he has been a HUGE fan! Steve owns every version of DBacks jersey ever made except one...the current home white jersey. His name, Martin, and #14 is on every one. He’s been to 26 countries and one of these jerseys has seen every country with him. Thank you for considering this Hero’s Wish and for any help to make it come true!

May 28th 2011

My name is Kevin Hardin and I was seriously wounded while serving as a front-line combat medic in Samarra, Iraq on 9/30/07. I was on my 13th month of deployment when I was injured. I endured over 32 surgeries while in the hospital and am now 100% disabled due to my injuries. When I was recently asked if I have any regrets for joining the Army, my answer is absolutely no. I have no regrets whatsoever for joining the Army and serving my country; what is there to regret? The only regret I might have is the fact that I can no longer serve my country and be a combat medic. My wife and I, along with my father who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, are planning a trip to Orlando, Florida in May 2011. I wish for tickets for Universal Studios in Orlando. Thank you for any assistance you can be.

May 23rd 2011

I am a die hard Texas Rangers fan and currently deployed to Iraq. I will be coming home on leave in the middle of May, around the 10th. I will be home a couple weeks after my first anniversary as well as my daughters second birthday. Both my wife and my daughter are big Rangers fans also. Last season was an amazing year for my Rangers, with not only winning their first ever playoff game, but making it all the way to the World Series. I was in Iraq during their epic journey and could not enjoy any of the games of my beloved team. I did the best I could to keep up with the games, but with my hectic schedule that was fairly difficult. For my Hero’s Wish I would like to be able to take my wife to a game for our anniversary while at the same time taking my daughter to her first MLB and Texas Rangers game for her 2nd birthday. Thank you for your consideration in making my Hero’s Wish come true!

May 13th 2011

If I were given just One wish; what would it be? That seems easy but I have so many answers to that question and most of them are self gratifying. So....I really soul searched and remembered who gave up everything to support me in my crisis after deployment. The physical and mental rehabilitation alone demanded her constant attention. You see...she had been studying to be a Veterinarian for over 5 years, and this was her dream. When I returned from the Middle East, all that changed. I was no longer the man that she agreed to marry prior to deployment. Never the less, she honored our commitment to each other and we got married. Her and I had talked about what we would do for our honeymoon almost daily before I left, and always narrowed it down to a weekend in a Las Vegas Suite. We would fantasize of toasting our champaigne glasses while sitting in our hotub over looking the Las Vegas strip. We would sometimes disagree on the shows we wanted to see, but found compromise when the Cirque du Soleil venue came to life. Unfortunately upon returning from war, Melisa had to quit her graduate studies and take care of me. She never did get to continue that dream, but we had 3 beautiful children that became her priority. Her and I never did get to go to Las Vegas for our Honeymoon. We spent our honeymoon at a V.A. hospital in Palo Alto, California. If Vet Tix is offering to me a "Heros Wish" than I have a very expensive answer. I would like to take my wife to Las Vegas to see the "O" Show by Cirque du Soleil. The tickets range from $98.00 to $150.00 each. I can cover the traveling expenses and probably a hotel room somewhere close by, but that would be all I could afford due to our financial position. Thank you for hearing my wish and Thank you for being there for us.

May 7th 2011

My name is SGT Pedro Encinas, and I am currently on my second deployment to Afghanistan. I deployed for the first time in 2007, when my first daughter was only 3 months old, and came back from that deployment when she was over 1 year old, so you can all imagine how much of her life I missed. On this, my second deployment I left when my second daughter was 9 months, so I missed her 1st birthday too! I do not regret serving my Country, I really enjoy my job, but as we all know, this job is very unpredictable and unfortunately, I have missed very important times with my family like birthdays, anniversaries, first steps, first words, and many more milestones. For that reason and because I love my little family, I would love to be able to, in a way make it up to them, try to make up for lost time by taking them to Disneyland, a place that I know will put a smile on their face, and let them forget for a couple of days all the sadness and loneliness we have all felt because of the deployments. Thank you very much for this opportunity, and God Bless!

Apr 3rd 2011

I am a single mother of two young girls ages 11 and 12. After a 5 year custody battle I won primary custody of my girls. I missed out on a lot of their lives and have never done things with them that most parents have with their children. We are all San Antonio Spurs Fans and although I have been to a game before in the past, I have never been able to attend a game with my daughters. All the games I have been to have been "nose bleed" section games! :( I would love to get some GREAT tickets, maybe floor tickets for myself and my two daughters to any Spurs game. I am about to deploy again for my third time in Mid April and would love to just enjoy a great game with my daughters and make a memory that I can carry throughout this deployment!

Apr 3rd 2011

I have lived in Colorado for two years and I have turned into a hockey fan. I have never been to a game. My girlfriend's family offered me a ticket last season, but the fact that I had to go to the National Training Center to get ready for deployment caused me to miss the game. I will get back from Afghanistan some time in March and I would like to take my girlfriend and her family to see the Colorado Avalanche play the Calgary Flames in Denver. Both she and her parents are HUGE Avalanche fans. I am going to ask her to marry me as soon as I get home, and this particular weekend will be the first time I am around her parents after the engagement. It would be great to be able to spend time with them while enjoying something they are so passionate about. Thanks!!

Mar 19th 2011

I am 1LT Josh Dodson. I am from West Virginia. I attended West Virginia University where I recieved my commission after 6 years of enlisted service. I have been in the Army for 8 years now, and have multiple deployments. I love my job and what I do for America. My family has backed me up 100% of all my deployments. I have always watched and followed all UFC fights. Spending a year on deployment here in Afghanistan I was not able to watch any. It has always been a dream of mine to watch a fight live. It has been an extremely long year on me and my family. I would really enjoy watching a fight live. Thanks-

Mar 19th 2011

My name is Eddie Jarrett and I am coming back from Afghanistan in late February and this would be a great opportunity for me to unwind and enjoy some time with my best friend! I have a 1 year old boy and 2 year old girl and I really look forward to getting home to them! I have events planned for them. My best friend and I have been wanting to attend an actual UFC event for 3 years now! My wish is for floor level tickets to UFC 128 on March 19, 2011, but any seat in the house would be great! Ticket prices range from $300-$500 per event and Newark, NJ is close enough to my hometown and there is a 'Shogun' Rua vs Rashad Evans match already lined up for this event! We are huge UFC fans and have never attended an event. This would be the weekend to remember forever! I have been on 2 deployments already and this gift would be so amazing if you can make it happen! This would be the perfect opportunity!! Thank you for this opportunity!

Mar 15th 2011

My wife has always wanted to go to graceland and we have never had a chance to make it down there. I would like to take my wife there for our anniversary when I return from my year long deployment to afghanistan. The package I would like to do for her is the "Memphis Music Experience" which includes Enjoy two nights at Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel, lunch for two at the Hard Rock Café on Beale Street, and tickets for two to great Memphis music attractions with prices starting from $378.00 plus tax weekdays, $388.00 + tax on weekends and $424.00 + tax during the summer months. If that isn't possible just being able to take my wife there would be great. Thanks for your help.