Capitals Salute Our Veterans and Active Troops

Washington Capitals players pose with Microsoft and USO representatives in front of the Courage Caps at the Microsoft Corp.’s annual A Salute to Our Troops program. (left to right – Brian Pothier, Elaine Rogers, President of the USO of Metropolitan Washington, Teresa Carlson, Mike Knuble, Vice President, Microsoft US Federal, David Steckel and Chris Clark. Photo by Getty Image/Jemal Countess.

The Washington Capitals continued their commitment to honoring the country's brave men and women who serve in our military by participating with WTOP 103.5 FM, Federal News Radio 1500 AM and the USO of Metropolitan Washington in Microsoft Corp.’s annual A Salute to Our Troops program with Operation USO Care Package Day. Chris Clark, Mike Knuble, Brian Pothier and David Steckel joined forces with Ted Leonsis and more than a hundred volunteers to assemble 5,000 care packages that will be sent to our troops serving overseas.

The Capitals players recorded video messages for the troops, sending best wishes to them during the holiday season on the Pentagon Channel. “It’s always special when you can help out the people who keep us safe,” said captain Chris Clark.

“We all did video messages for the men and women serving oversees that hopefully can let them know how much we appreciate all that they do for us,” said Pothier.

As part of the program, the USO-Metro hospital services team brought the wounded warriors “Sled Dogs” team from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center to Kettler Iceplex where they scrimmaged on the ice after the Capitals’ practice. The Caps players met and took pictures with the wounded warriors before heading up to pack the care packages.

This event launched Courage Caps, presented by Microsoft, which is in its third season and has raised nearly $70,000 in the first two years. Courage Caps are team-issued and branded hats that will be sold through December at Capitals home games, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex and online at WashingtonCaps.com with 100% of the proceeds benefiting USO-Metro. Caps fans can purchase their Courage Caps at Verizon Center tomorrow when the boys take on the New York Islanders.

Tomorrow night the Capitals will mark Veteran's Day by hosting more than 50 Wounded Warriors and their families for tomorrow's game at Verizon Center, in conjunction with Microsoft and the USO of Metropolitan Washington. The Wounded Warriors will also be treated to a pre-game reception, where they will be honored and recognized for their service and courage.

Hockey Mom joins Caps fans united in thanking our troops for their service - keep them in your prayers as they stand in harm's way to preserve our freedom.