Islanders Show Appreciation for Military Members

The New York Islanders are hosting a Military Appreciation Night on Friday, but for Scott and Emily Mayfield, every game is a chance to say thanks to servicemen and women.
The Mayfield's sprung for season tickets this season, which they give out to military members so they can attend Islanders games. On Friday, the Mayfield's guests should have plenty of company as the team and Ford have invited over 150 military members and their families for a
game against the Arizona Coyotes
.

"It's a really important night," Mayfield said. "What they do, you can't put into words sometimes. I have a lot of respect because it is very personal for me with my brother and the stuff I've gotten to do with him."
Mayfield's brother, Patrick, is an Air Force captain and F-16 pilot, currently stationed at Holloman AFB in New Mexico. Patrick Mayfield was previously stationed overseas in Italy, South Korea and deployed to Afghanistan.

With Capt. Mayfield stateside, the
brothers took an F-16 flight together over the summer
. Capt. Mayfield was also honored as the team's

at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Scott Mayfield knows first-hand that those gestures are appreciated by servicemen and women, as are initiatives like Military Appreciation Night.
"I know it's important for him and for all of the service members that we can honor them like this," Mayfield said. "We just want to go out and play hard for him."
Mayfield isn't the only Islander with military ties. Kyle Palmieri has long supported military initiatives through his Squad 21 foundation, which offers active and veteran service members a chance to attend Islanders home games. Head Coach Barry Trotz hasn't had family service since his great grandfather in World War I, but has formed friendships and relationships with military personnel over the years.

"I have a real connection with the military people," Trotz said, adding that he's an avid fan of the History Channel. "I have a good feel and one of my real good friends is a retired General who was in special operations. From that standpoint I have an appreciation because I've seen up close and personal some of the stuff they do."
The first 10,000 fans in attendance
on Friday will receive a military appreciation hat, presented by Ford. The Islanders are
also auctioning off special military-themed warmup jerseys
until Jan. 29.
More information about the Islanders Military Appreciation Night
can be found here.