Sergeant. Wright has served for four years in the Pennsylvania National Guard1-112^th Infantry Battalion. Amanda grew up in Erie with her mother Christine, her father James, and her brother Christopher. James is a Navy veteran, while Christopher is an Army veteran.

“My brother and dad are veterans, so it was just as important to them as it was to me,” Amanda said. “I tried to surprise them before, but they were too suspicious. “So this was nice because they literally had no idea I was going to be here.”

Growing up, Amanda learned how to shoot from her father and watched her hobby become her career. Her brother also inspired her to join ROTC right after high school. With the major influences Amanda’s family has had on her life, having the opportunity to orchestrate this moment meant a lot.

“This has been a pretty crazy ride,” he said. “There have been more people involved in this than I thought and I honestly don’t even have the words to say how grateful I am.”

This incredible night would not have been possible without the help and support of the Pittsburgh Penguins, 84 Lumber, and United Services Organization.

“I’ve been doing this for a decade. Very often this does not work. But every time you do it, it never gets old,” said Jenna Anderson, Area Operations Manager, USO PA. “So, every time it’s like the first time you see. You’re looking and you’re crying. You feel the love, the excitement, the nervousness of the service member preparing to surprise, plus the fact that the family doesn’t know.”

Amanda’s favorite sport is hockey and she tries to watch as many Penguin games as she can, but sometimes it’s a challenge depending on where she is. Now that she’s home for a while, Amanda plans to enjoy these next few weeks with her family until she deploys to the National Guard full-time.

“Being able to bring a family together is the best feeling you can have,” said Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing for 84 Lumber. “I definitely got really excited at that moment, and I think everyone would be excited if they were watching it live during the game. It makes everything we do with the penguins 100% worth it.”

For the fifth consecutive season, 84 Lumber has been named the presenting partner of the Pittsburgh Penguins Military Appreciation Game, which will take place on Monday, November 11 at 7:00 pm against the Dallas Stars. More details can be found here..