On the 24-year anniversary of September 11, 2001, the Rockets gave back to military veterans and first responders throughout the Houston area.
Brian Barefield
| Rockets Wire, Big Sarge Media
HOUSTON — Thirty years ago, then-head coach Rudy Tomjanovich grabbed a microphone as the Rockets celebrated winning a second straight NBA Finals. He then uttered a phrase that has been echoed on numerous occasions by other sports teams that have had to overcome adversity.
“Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion,” Tomjanovich said.
On Thursday, president of business operations Gretchen Sheirr — with Tomjanovich a few steps away — repeated that phrase to U.S. veterans in attendance at the Tunnel to Towers Veterans Village. Located in Tomball, the site provides permanent and transitional housing, along with supportive services, to veterans in the Greater Houston area.
In honor of sacrifices made by first responders on Sept. 11, 2001, Sheirr and Tomjanovich were joined by general manager Rafael Stone; head coach Ime Udoka; numerous organizational staff members; and members of the Fertitta family (ownership) to thank veterans and other first responders in attendance.
“I have been very inspired talking to the vets,” Tomjanovich told on-site reporters at the “Patriot Day” event.
After a brief statement from Stone, the group served lunch, handed out t-shirts, and gave out ticket vouchers to attend a home game at Toyota Center this season.
“We get lauded for playing basketball games, but to come in here, it is a privillage for us to come in here and tour the facility and see what they [Tunnel To Towers Veteran Village] do to support the veterans,” Udoka said.
“It is an honor for us to come out and do this,” he added. “It is not just about playing games and being looked at for that. I think on a day like 9-11, you start to think about the veterans, and the resources provided for them is a big thing. So, it is great for us to be here.”