USO Donations:Before the game, the Lady Jackets spent time helping collect snack items for USO Ohio.
Fans were able to show support for the troops by donating pre-packed snack items while walking into the arena. These donations are used to help stock Central Ohio USO lounges that offer respite for military personnel and their families.
Lady Jacket Sanna-Mari Kiukas enjoyed interacting with the fans along with helping collect items.
"I love this community and being able to give back in any way I can," Kiukas said.
The collection was sponsored by Central Ohio Transit Authority, which supplied the bus where the items were stored and later sent to the Ohio USO to deliver the donations.
By the end of the night, more than 28,000 items were collected thanks to the generosity of Blue Jackets fans.
338th Army Band performs:Taking the place of Leo Welsh, the 338th Army band performed the national anthem before puck drop on Thursday night.
The 338th Army band is stationed at the 83rd Infantry Division Memorial U.S. Army Reserve Center in Whitehall, Ohio, and in Livonia, Michigan. The band is made up of musicians from across Ohio, Michigan and parts of Kentucky, and provides music for military and public occasions throughout the area.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Teresa Hudson is the conductor of the band and said it was special to be able to perform before the game.
"I know (the band members) are all serving, but it is just wonderful to play the anthem for all the veterans here and for this event to happen to honor our veterans," Hudson said. "We love playing for veterans.
Along with "The Star-Spangled Banner," the band performed pregame for fans in the main concourse.
Werenski honors veterans: Blue Jackets defensemen Zach Werenski hosted military members in a suite during the game with the help of USO Ohio.
Those present were among those had been honored recently by their respective units, including Navy Counselor First Class Patricia Henderson.
Henderson was selected as Sailor of the Quarter, which is an honorable award for being the best of the best in their ship or station. Being a Navy Counselor First Class, she is responsible for organizing and implementing enlisted retention and career information programs. She has also trained and mentored 28 Unit Career Counselors supporting 580 active and reserve sailors at Navy Reserve Center Columbus.
"It is always nice to have people do this for you," Henderson said. "I have been to a few military appreciation nights, and to be able to be here is really nice."
