The Waterloo Black Hawks will extend this week's Veterans' Day commemorations through next Saturday night, when the team will wear jerseys benefitting local veterans organization Americans for Independent Living (AFIL) during a home game at Young Arena.

The Black Hawks host the Sioux Falls Stampede on Saturday, November 21st and will wear the commemorative sweaters that evening, presented by American Pattern & CNC Works.  All veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to the game and can receive a free game ticket from the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office.  During the game, Upper Iowa University will present a veterans' resource fair on the Young Arena concourse, highlighting services provided by many local organizations.

"Once again this year, these jerseys for veterans have been designed by veterans," said Black Hawks President and COO Joe Greene.  "I would like to thank Army Master Sergeant JP Sager, Army Staff Sergeant Brandon Scroggins, and retired Marine Chief Warrant Officer Josh Meyer - all members of Marine Corps League Northeast Iowa Detachment 1241 - for their design work, as well as American Pattern & CNC Works, who have been longstanding partners for our military appreciation games."

The desert camouflage pattern features a modified red, white, and blue Waterloo emblem on the chest.  Trimmed in Army gold and black, the American flag appears in the right shoulder with the Iowa flag on the left.  Insignia recognizing the 34th Infantry Division Red Bulls, Waterloo's 133rd Infantry Regiment of the Iowa Army National Guard, and Waterloo's 445th Transportation Company of the U.S. Army Reserve are also included.  The front of the sweater also commemorates Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Robert J. Hibbs of Cedar Falls, who gave his life saving fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War.

After the game, the jerseys will be sold at a live auction to benefit AFIL.  Initially founded to provide shelter for homeless veterans in the Cedar Valley, AFIL has expanded its activities during the past decade.  Today the organization serves a variety of needs for veterans including home modifications, provision of basic essentials, and creating opportunities for companionship and camaraderie among those who have served.

Many other government, service, and educational organizations which offer services to veterans will also be represented during the evening as part of the veteran's resource fair.  Upper Iowa has presented this element of the Hawks' Salute to Veterans Nights since 2023.

The Marine Corps League, Northeast Iowa Detachment 1241 will also host a Toys for Tots Toy Drive for attendees during the game on Saturday, November 21st. Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to Young Arena that night for donation to children in need during the holiday season. Donate a toy while visiting Party Town and receive a complimentary chuck-a-puck on game night.

Tickets for all Black Hawks home games can be ordered online from tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com.  For complimentary veterans/military tickets for November 21st, stop by the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office.