A Hero's Wish

Longhorn Fan here. Forgive me.


I need your help. A soldier, who happens to be part of my extended family, wants to attend the LSU-Arky game. He's about to get his 2nd Purple Heart and is now back in the states. I don't give a frick about the game, but he's an LSU fan and that's what he wants. He deserves it.

Now, I could start an online fund-raising thing, but I thought the athletic departments at the schools might be interested in the story and give him some sort of "game-day" experience. Locker room tour, upgraded seats, or something like that. I wrote the LSU football program and alumni association the following:

"I am writing you directly to appeal to your patriotism and behoove you to move the wheels of the LSU Tiger Football machine in honor of Army Private Taylor XXXX.

Pvt. XXXX is an American hero and self-described “Biggest LSU Football Fan in the World.” His fandom began humbly, growing up in LSU country and watching LSU football games on television at every opportunity. As he grew to be a man, he enlisted in The United States Army. During his service, he was twice deployed to Afghanistan as a diesel mechanic along enemy lines. In discharging his duty, he was injured by a mine blast, resulting in significant injuries and his first Purple Heart. After his recovery, he bravely sought another tour in Afghanistan and was again injured in the line of duty. Pvt. XXXX will receive his second Purple Heart this summer. He is currently back in The United States and stationed at Fort XXXX while recovering from his injuries.

Now, this is where you come in. Upon his return, his family asked Pvt. XXXX what he would like most in the world, now that he is out of harm’s way. The one thing he wants is to attend the LSU-Arkansas Thanksgiving game. He has never been able to attend a live LSU game. Ideally, he would be able to attend a game in Tiger Stadium, but his leave only permits him time off during the Thanksgiving holiday. This presents a wonderful opportunity for our family to come together in Fayetteville for a great American holiday to honor an American hero.

We, his family, are prepared to travel to the game to honor a hero’s wish. What we don’t have are tickets to the game. We thought we’d make you aware of Pvt. XXXX’s heroism, sacrifice, and returning wish with the hope that you could ensure his attendance to the LSU-Arkansas 2012 game. I should also add that Pvt. XXXX is unaware of this request. It would be a tremendous surprise and a well-deserved honor.

We eagerly await your response.

Geaux Tigers!"

I wrote that back in June to the LSU Football athletic department email address, alumni association, and to Coach Miles. I got nuthin.

Any suggestions?