First person: Bob Williams, Hawks president

Four years ago I was making my customary rounds at a Hawks game. At the top of Philips Arena, I saw a group of soldiers in uniform and asked them who was in charge. An Army Ranger, a sergeant major, introduced himself and explained that these enlisted men were in infantry training at Fort Benning and would be deployed to fight in Iraq.

The arena’s suite wasn’t in use, so I thought it would be cool for them to see the game from there. I stayed and watched the game with them, ordered them some “chow” and got to know these courageous young men and their supervisors.

My son, Max, then 14, was also at the game with his friend Campbell, so I brought them up to meet the soldiers. Campbell’s brother was a Marine lieutenant stationed in Iraq, and while he didn’t talk about it, I knew he was concerned for his brother’s safety. I had shared this with the Ranger, who pulled Campbell aside and articulated, with confidence and sincerity, why his brother would return home safely -- and he eventually did.

I was blown away by the Ranger’s eloquence and compassion. Since then he has become one of my very best friends.

After that Hawks game, we offered more opportunities for Fort Benning to bring soldiers and their families to games, concerts, circus performances and other events held at Philips Arena. The motivation was just to say thank you, to do something for those who serve our country and who preserve our way of life for our kids and grandkids.

Meeting and getting to know the men and women stationed at Fort Benning, mostly Army sergeants and Rangers who have made the military their career, has been a privilege and an honor, and has given me new perspective on how fortunate I am to live in this great country. Sergeants are the backbone of our military. I’ve visited Fort Benning when buses of just-enlisted 18-year-olds arrive for their first day. The sergeants have to be mother, father, teacher, psychiatrist and disciplinarian to them.

Their sacrifice is even more selfless than I had thought, and their dedication to their country and to each other is amazing. They are intelligent, talented and have impeccable character.

In some cases they are a paradox. There had been that picture in my mind of a drill sergeant yelling at recruits. While I’ve witnessed some yelling, I’ve seen even more encouragement, teaching and patience. I sense that if you’ve been on the field of battle, it provides the confidence that you can accomplish any task.

It would be natural to think that all of these soldiers might feel that private citizens owe them something. Nothing could be farther from the truth. All they really want is a thank you and an acknowledgement of what they do.

I’ve spent a lot of time with the Ranger and his buddies, both in and outside of the arena, and much of what they can tell of their experiences is surreal. One was a paratrooper who, while performing a jump from an ungodly height of 25,000 feet, at night, had a freak accident that has left him partially paralyzed. I was incredulous he was not bitter.

“I would do it all again,” he said. “I’m a soldier.” I was speechless.

About two years ago, one afternoon before a Hawks game, I was summoned by my staff to our in-arena restaurant. When I arrived, I was surprised to see soldiers in full dress uniform standing at attention.

They put on a traditional U.S. Army ceremony and made me an honorary first sergeant of Fort Benning's Charlie and Delta companies of the 30th AG Infantry, as well as an honorary drill sergeant.

My father served in the Navy during World War II, but I have never served our country. For one who has given so little to be honored by those who have given so much was the most humbling experience of my life.

Sports and entertainment give people a chance to escape some of life’s more difficult times, whether economic or wartime or otherwise. Being able to go to an NBA game and forget about things for a few hours is very therapeutic for most people -- and especially for soldiers.

The opportunities we’ve given them at Philips Arena is a small thank you. There is so much more we can all do to show our appreciation to these true heroes. And when you hear the phrase “Army Strong,” take it from me, it’s true.

-- As told to Michelle Hiskey for the AJC