By Josh CohenNov. 25, 2015
ORLANDO – On a night when the Orlando Magic dished out 20 assists and notched a win over the New York Knicks, it was a different assist and victory that was even more significant.
U.S. Army Corporal Scott Owens and his family were presented the keys to a newly remodeled mortgage-free home in Winter Haven, Florida during the Magic’s game on Wednesday. On hand to reward the Owens’ were representatives from Building Homes for Heroes, Chase and the Magic.
“This was absolutely amazing,” Owens said. “Making sure my family has a place to live, a safe place for the kids to grow up, that’s the first step to transition. You can’t ask for a better Thanksgiving.”
Owens proudly served in the Army for more than six years with multiple deployments to Iraq. He earned numerous awards and medals and was honorably discharged in 2009. Owens suffered injuries during combat in 2003. He has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The family of five was also surprised with a few other gifts during the ceremony. They received a $1,000 check to help with holiday shopping, personalized Magic jerseys, Disney Park passes and other gadgets and goodies for the three kids to enjoy.
“I’m very thankful for what they (Magic) do,” Owens said. “Giving back to the community, giving back to those who have served is really appreciated.”
The Magic have been assisting in the community this entire Thanksgiving week. On Tuesday, Tobias Harris, Dewayne Dedmon and others from the Magic and Amway Corporation distributed Thanksgiving meals to underserved families in the Central Florida area. And on Thursday, the Magic will celebrate Thanksgiving at Coalition for the Homeless for the 23rd year. C.J. Watson, Devyn Marble and Magic CEO Alex Martins will join other volunteers to serve a holiday breakfast to more than 700 homeless men, women and children.
Earlier this month, the Magic hosted military in honor of Seats for Soldiers night. More than 500 active and retired military personnel were treated to an amazing and memorable night at Amway Center on Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day) when the Magic played the Los Angeles Lakers.