Dallas Mavericks and Armed Forces Insurance Team Up for a Memorable Military Appreciation Night

Over 60 US soldiers and their guests enjoyed courtside seats to watch the Dallas Mavericks play the Indiana Pacers during a Military Appreciation Night at the February 22 game. Sponsored in part by Armed Forces Insurance, active military personnel registered online to receive two guaranteed tickets to the game and the chance to make a half-court shot for $10,000.

To extend their sponsorship of the appreciation night and to truly thank the military personnel for the tremendous personal sacrifices they make, Armed Forces Insurance chose one US soldier and his guest to attempt the shots. Forest Smith, based in Ft. Hood, Texas, brought his nephew to the game and hit nothin' but net!

"This night turned out to be a night we will both remember forever," said Smith. "I am grateful for the opportunity to take the $10,000 shot. And to think I almost didn't make it because I am being deployed soon."

"It was more than the $10,000 though. My nephew and I haven't spent that much time together in the past 12 years since I joined the military. We both felt like it was our night to shine, and being on center court was the mecca of the whole night. Thank you to Armed Forces Insurance and the Dallas Mavericks for a wild and very exciting MAVS night."

When asked what he was going to do with his winnings, Smith replied, "My wife and I just bought a house and now we can furnish it the way we have wanted."

SCA Promotions handled the promotional risk coverage of the promotion and has paid for the $10,000 half-court winning shot.

See the winning shot here!