The NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning celebrated Military Appreciation Night on Thursday, and one veteran, in particular, received thunderous applause from the crowd.
Robert McClintock, a retired U.S. Army Air Corps lieutenant who will turn 100 years old on Monday, joined the Lightning's regular anthem singer for a stirring rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the team's game at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., against the New York Islanders.
Afterward, the Lightning posted video of the performance on the team's Twitter page.
Retired USAF Technical Sergeant Sonya Bryson & Lieutenant Robert McClintock of the U.S. Army Air Corps perform the National Anthem at Military Appreciation Night to start the @TBLightning and New York Islanders matchup. 🇺🇸 #NHL #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/r8i9giTSB1
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) November 9, 2018
The Lightning's regular singer, Sonya Bryson-Kirksey, also posted a photo of herself with McClintock, calling the veteran "My favorite star of the night!!!" Bryson-Kirksey herself is a retired member of the U.S. Air Force.
My favorite star of the night!!! #hondafansalute #socialcaptain pic.twitter.com/DNGtrWgUSG
— Sonya Bryson-Kirksey (@SonniSings) November 9, 2018
The evening's festivities also included a pre-game puck drop featuring Command Sgt. Maj. McCauley and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Gary Beikirch, and a salute to Mark Van Trees, a volunteer who has helped ship more than 120 tons of items to troops serving overseas, in addition to his local charity work.
Command Sgt. Maj. McCauley and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Gary Beikirch drop the puck tonight representing the men and women of USSOCOM at the 2018 @TBLightning Military Appreciation Night! pic.twitter.com/rQTJr6LeDh
— USSOCOM (@USSOCOM) November 9, 2018
9th #TBLightning Community Hero, Mark Van Trees, has helped ship more than 120 tons of items to service members overseas and has donated more than $4 million of products to charities across Tampa Bay. https://t.co/as22lNlHme pic.twitter.com/SvGLrRp6L9
— Lightning Foundation (@LightningFDN) November 9, 2018
In addition, 40 Marine Corps recruits took the oath to defend America during the game's first intermission.
40 young recruits for the U.S. Marine Corps took the oath to defend their country during the first intermission as Military Appreciation Night continues at @AmalieArena! #NHL #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/HJi7nf7XhU
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) November 9, 2018
Capping the evening for the military members and home fans on hand: The Lightning defeated the Islanders, 4-2.
