MONROE, Ohio (WXIX) – Monroe High School’s Boys Basketball Team honored a player’s father who preparing for deployment to Europe.
The high school recognized Major Lance Mattingly during Monday night’s game.
Mattingly watched his son Garrett play basketball in what will be his last Monroe game for several months.
The school recognized the major for his military service during a ceremony before the game.
“He’s like a shooting guard to small forward,” Mattingly said of his son.
The U.S. Army veteran will spend about six weeks in Germany before moving to Poland for eight to nine months in logistical operations.
“In a nutshell, moving stuff all around Europe,” he explained.
The school announcer told the crowd that Mattingly has served in the Army for 15 years and has had two previous deployments to Iraq for Operation Inherent Resolve, in which he received two campaign medals.
A student named Easton said the recognition was meaningful.
“It made me all warm and fuzzy inside cause I’ve known him since I was a young guy, so I was happy to see him out there getting recognized,” Easton said.
Mattingly stood with Garrett as they honored him and played the National Anthem.
“It was a great feeling… With me leaving, it made it real extra special,” Mattingly said.
After watching his last Monroe basketball game for now, Mattingly prepares to head out.
“Love it. And I appreciate it,” Mattingly said.
He ships out Saturday.
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