Lt. Joe Hunt Military Appreciation Day at the 2024 US Open

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By Joseph Hunt

I discover it unattainable to adequately describe the influence of Lt. Joe Hunt Navy Appreciation Day on the US Open. On the primary Saturday of the match, the USTA as soon as once more gave tennis followers in Arthur Ashe Stadium and across the Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Heart maybe probably the most inspiring day of patriotism and gratitude in skilled sports activities.

I do know I’m biased, however truthfully, what could possibly be better than taking a full day to honor and admire these carrying the uniform who’ve selflessly served our nation and sacrificed a lot.

At this 13^th consecutive annual occasion, the particular company of distinction had been Lt. Common Dr. John J. DeGoes (Surgeon Common of the Air Power and House Power); Lt. Common, Nadja West (Retired Surgeon Common of the Military); Shannon Miller (Seven-time Olympic Medalist in gymnastics); Lt. Col. Jimmy Tom, of the U.S. Vietnam Struggle Commemoration Workplace, who was current to honor Vietnam Veterans for his or her service, valor and sacrifice; and a residing legend from the best era, Arthur Grubiner, a Navy sailor who served with distinction within the Pacific Theater in WWII because the US fought its strategy to victory. These are individuals who embody excellence and repair.

The US Open has cemented into its mission the worth that it’ll always remember the women and men who shield our nation, nor will it ever take without any consideration that our very freedoms, together with the privilege of gathering to get pleasure from our sport, relaxation upon the various sacrifices of those that serve.

The truth that Lt. Joe Hunt is remembered for his sacrifice and made part of this worth is humbling and noteworthy.

I want to thank the US Open and USTA, with particular gratitude to these whose assist and fervour are and, via the years, have been indispensable:

Dr. Brian Hainline, USTA Chairman of the Board

Patrick Galbraith, Previous President

Michael McNulty, Previous President

Katrina Adams, Previous President

Jon Vegosin, Previous President

Lew Sherr, USTA Chief Govt Officer

Stacey Allaster, US Open Match Director

Marisa Grimes, Range, Fairness and Inclusion Officer

Jeff Dean, Official Photographer and Iraq conflict veteran

I can not shut this put up with out expressing my profound gratitude to these whose competence, vitality and pure coronary heart make the day occur. I’m in awe of you, and I owe you a lot.