2022 HOMETOWN HEROES MAGAZINE

Page 44 2022 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS May / June 2022 When eighth-grader Marin Luckhart went to the free throw line it appeared that every member of both teams came in to line the box; a fact the refs chose to ignore. It was then that the boys of WLB decided to take matters into their own hands. Three of the boys wrapped themselves around the young officer, doing everything in their power to keep the seasoned team member from snatching the ball at the end of the throw. We also have to give kudos to Luckhart, who in spite of the chaos, was not deterred, and stayed completely focused during her shots. As the seconds wound down on the clock, the points were rising at a furious rate, though it would be hard for any record keeper to tell us who made those points for either side of the board. At the buzzer, the announcer called the game a tie. However, after the buzzer, the WLB score mysteriously rose by one more point. So, who won? Well from the game perspective, we would have to say no one won, or maybe everyone won. What we can say for sure was that the top winners were the veterans who will benefit from the dollars raised at the event. The proceeds from the Hoops for Heroes will go toward another home build in Lincoln for a local veteran. After the game, Lincoln Police Chief Vlahovich commented about his participation, “I feel honored to play in a fundraising event to assist our Nation’s Veterans. It’s shameful our Federal Government does not do what it should do, with regard to Veteran’s Assistance Programs, the V/A, and the like. In my eyes, this game was the least I could do, in helping veterans.” Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District Chief Chris Buse also commented. “This is our second time playing and I think it is a good idea of a way to raise money for a very worthy cause. I feel like the Central Illinois Veterans Commission has really taken a lead in trying to help out the local veterans in our area. First responders, whether police, fire, or ems, sign on to help people when they are in need. By taking part in this, it is just a continuation of what we do in our professions, helping people. The veterans, whether local or abroad, should never be forgotten for the sacrifices and service they have provided to our country. Continue 8