Thread: Admiration and Appreciation.

First off, let's get this straight, PITA had this idea so major props to him for approaching me with it and I was happy to pass the word along to the Kings. Just having a small part in setting this up over the Holidays really made me feel warm inside.

Secondly, all I did was pass the word along to Mike Altieri, one of our friends in the front office and he came through like a champ. By the time the game rolled around he told me that Daniel would be sure get VIP treatment because even Dean Lombardi was in on it. Sure enough, as you can see the Kings came through big time.

This is the kind of thing that spreads warmth to everyone who participates which is why I asked PITA to share the story.

Thanks to the LA Kings, Mike Altieri, Mike Kalinowski, Jim and Bob, the players and everyone who made this kid's night so special.

And thanks to Daniel, PITA and the other Marines for paying the price so that we all can continue to live in freedom.

Great story.

Every single person in it deserves major, major props.

Proof positive that the hockey community is the best!

And a profound thanks to those in our military.

Thanks for your work.

These guys give so much to us and you're really making a difference for them.

Thanks to all those that helped to make it happen, great job guys!!

Big Time Rocket Karma!

These are the kind of stories that make me thankful for living in the United States of America everyday I wake up.

Thank you to all involved for making this hero's night a special night. Thank you to all the soldiers out there past and present who fight for the freedoms of this great nation.

PITA, thanks for sharing this awesome story and thanks for treating one of our heroes well by Daniel getting the VIP treatment! Rink Rat, you came up big! And to the Kings Org for doing this and honoring a hero every home game!

Great story, one little clue gave away that you are on the side of good (vs. evil): you referred to it as "the 101."

Those bad people up there just call it "101" - oh "I was driving 101" -- ok is that a freeway or a speed??? It's "the 101" - like "the freeway" or "the Autobahn" -- easy you would think...

Thanks to PITA, Daniel and the other heroes for protecting us.

Speechless and proud of what you and Da Rat have done for one so deserving.

Sometimes it takes the team we are so fond of to show us what matters most.

PITA, RR and everyone in the Kings organization, thank you. I will admit, this story made me cry. These young men and women are over there risking life and limb. It breaks my heart to think of sons, daughters, fathers etc., being injured and/or losing their lives.
Again thank you to all, especially PITA.