Lightning To Honor World War II Veterans

TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to honor two World War II veterans and a current Marine during its 2017 Military Appreciation Night.

The events will take place when the Lightning take on the Dallas Stars on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Amalie Arena. Military-themed elements will take place throughout the game, and more than 2,000 servicemen and women from MacDill Air Force Base will attend the game for free through the Lightning’s Seats for Service Program.

During pre-game warmups, the Lightning will wear camouflaged jerseys with the name of an honorary serviceman or woman serving at the U.S. Central Command at MacDill embroidered on the sleeve. After the game, the military personnel will hit the ice where each player will sign their respective jersey.

Before the game, U.S. Army Master Sgt. (Ret.) Cliff Zalay will perform the Star-Spangled Banner on his harmonica. Zalay, 92, served as an infantry soldier during World War II and the Korean War. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was a member of the Allied forces that liberated Dachau. He currently works with Honor Flight, which sends fellow World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorial built in their honor.

Also, two servicemen will participate in a ceremonial puck drop: Seaman 1st Class John Tedesco, U.S. Navy (Ret.), and Lt. Gen William D. Beydler, USMC Commander.

Tedesco enlisted in the Navy in 1943 just after his 17th birthday. He served in the Pacific theater where his unit built a new hospital on Munda to accept casualties for the impending USMC assaults on that island along with Guadalcanal, Bouganville and the Gilbert Islands. Enemy forces attempted to stop this, and Tedesco lost a major portion of his hearing during the attacks.

Beydler is a 36-year veteran of the USMC and is currently stationed at Central Command. He has logged approximately 4,000 flight hours in tactical jet aircraft. Beydler has served in his current position at MARCENT since October 2015. He has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal with three Gold Stars.

Members of the military will watch pre-game warmups from the Lightning bench, the penalty box and participate in the pre-game High Five Tunnel when the players hit the ice. Fans will be able to see military vehicles on Ford Thunder Alley prior to the game, including a World War II Willis Jeep and three U.S. Army Trac units.

Other elements include a moment of silence, a military-themed Community Hero, a USAA Standing Salute as well as a check presentation featuring Chase and Operation Homefront. Fans will also be able to sign Holiday Cards for Troops on all levels of the concourses courtesy of The Duncan Duo of RE/MAX.

Patch staff photo