HVAF and the Indianapolis Colts have had a beautiful partnership for many years!

Whether its players volunteering in our pantry, grant funds awarded through the Kicking the Stigma Initiative, support of our Fire Assistance Fund, or being the beneficiary of the 50/50 drawing at the Salute to Service game, the Colts have made a huge impact on the lives of the veterans we serve!

Last week, we were offered a new opportunity! Luke Rhodes, the Colts’ Long Snapper, offered ten tickets to Sunday’s game against the Broncos for our veteran families! Yet, the offer included so much more! The families would get an on-field experience to meet Luke, get a special gift, and be provided with food vouchers.

We were able to provide the opportunity for two well-deserving veteran families. The day started as I provided transportation to the Stadium for one of the families, and Anne, an HVAF Housing Case Manager, drove the other family.

The family of six filled my van gleefully. To get them pumped, we jammed to some great R&B tunes and sang our hearts out! Upon arriving, the kids marveled at the Stadium’s massive size, and we were quickly whisked away to the field! We were adopted as Rhodes Rascals and given hats.

On the field, Luke met with the families, signed hats and footballs, and gave his valuable time before he needed to prepare for the game. After that, the families grabbed lunch using their food vouchers and found their seats, but not before I taught one of the kids, the important hand signals for a touchdown and a first down.

I first met Ashley Rose three years ago, a young, shy girl who had just experienced homelessness. Her hair was matted, and I remember one of our staff donating time to braid her hair so she could feel better about going to school. She seemed so sweet, but there was also a sadness within her. I have always felt drawn to her. Three years later, she could not stop smiling at the game!

The game was thrilling with the scores going back and forth. I knew it was going to come down to the wire! As expected, with just three seconds on the clock, the kicker would have an opportunity to attempt a 60-yard field goal to win the game for the Colts. The kick was up….and it was short! Dejected fans slumped their shoulders, accepting defeat. But… there was a flag on the play!

A Broncos player jumped on top of one of the Colts players, committing a penalty. The Colts player was none other than Luke Rhodes! With no time left on the clock, the kicker had a chance to kick again, but this time from only 45 yards. The football sailed perfectly through the uprights and the Colts won 29-28!

Fireworks went off all over Lucas Oil Stadium and the Rhodes Rascals celebrated, yelled and danced for the victory! Luke was a hero on the field and off the field that day! He gave our families an experience they will never forget.

As we drove home, the family sang, laughed and was just deliriously filled with joy! When I dropped them off, Ashley Rose tapped on my door, and I opened it. She gave me the biggest hug and flashed the largest smile! Except, this time I felt no sadness, only happiness.

Thank you to Luke Rhodes and our wonderful Colts partners for giving these deserving families a once-in-a-lifetime day together.

The HVAF Veteran Engagement Committee provides outings and experiences for our veterans and their families that they would otherwise not get to experience. To learn more or support the committee, please contact Andrea Carlile at 765-425-3366 or acarlile@hvaf.org.

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