Seats For Soldiers: Mavs Honor Service Members with Unforgettable Experience

The Dallas Mavericks honored our nation's heroes at the 17th annual 'Seats for Soldiers' event on a winning Monday night at the American Airlines Center.

DALLAS - Typically, it is Luka Doncic who catapults the crowd into cheers at the American Airlines Center. However, on Monday night the standing ovation went to our nation's heroes.

The Dallas Mavericks honored more than 100 service members, including wounded, ill, and hospitalized individuals, to sit courtside for the 17th annual 'Seats for Soldiers' night.

Among the service members cheering on Luka Doncic and the Mavs was John Wayne Walding. John served in the military for the majority of his adult life, including seven years in the prestigious 3rd Special Forces Group, colloquially known as the Green Berets.

John was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2008, John was shot and lost his right leg. While wounded, he continued to fight alongside his squad for four hours and for his bravery has received the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart.

"Never underestimate the magnitude of what those two words mean to a veteran: Thank you," said John in an exclusive interview. "At the end of the day, no matter what you do, you have to ask your self, is this worth it? I start and end my day in a wheelchair, every day. Every day I am reminded of what the true cost of freedom is."

Since the amputation, John has ran multiple marathons and became the first amputee to graduate Green Beret Sniper School. 

"Days like this, to have opportunities like this... it validates our sacrifice," John said. 

The evening was highlighted by a 131-129 Dallas victory over the Orlando Magic on the court and an unforgettable experience for those who have sacrificed greatly for our freedom. 

The day began with Brooke Army Medical Center service members boarding a charter flight donated by American Airlines from San Antonio to Dallas-Fort Worth. Next, dinner hosted by Nick and Sam's Steakhouse in Dallas followed by courtside seats at the Mavericks game donated by season ticket holders. A meet-and-greet with players topped off the evening. 

"My aunt was in the military, when I was a kid growing up, so this night definitely means everything to me," said Tim Hardaway Jr. in his postgame TV interview. "I play for her every time I step out on the court. I write her name on my shoe every time I step on this floor. It's an honor and a privilege to be able to put on a show for every single one of these military personnel out here." 

In addition to the visiting soldiers, 400 more seats were donated by season ticket members to active duty, veteran/retiree, Gold Star family and surviving spouse military members. 

Tonight the #DallasMavs are hosting more than 100 service members for ‘Seats For Soldiers.’

The day began with a chartered flight from San Antonio to Dallas, followed by dinner at Nick and Sam’s. They will sit courtside for the game and enjoy a meet-and-greet w/players 🇺🇸 #mffl pic.twitter.com/KxrjEqOzrz

— Bri Amaranthus (@BriAmaranthus) January 30, 2024

Our troops are here at @AACenter 🫡@AACenter // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/VjM692W3nY

— Mavs Off-Court (@MavsOffCourt) January 30, 2024

The Mavs are now 15-2 all-time on ‘Seats For Soldiers’ night. There’s just something about playing in front of real-life heroes that gets the Mavs motivated.