The family of Navy SEAL Jeff Lucas, who gave his life in service to his country, was recognized as part of the Portland Trail Blazers’ Hometown Heroes program, which took place during a home game on March 13, 2015. In June, 2005, Lucas was aboard a MH-47 Chinook helicopter along with 15 other SEALs and members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment “Nightstalkers” when it was shot down by an RPG in Afghanistan. The unit had been dispatched to locate and rescue Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, whose unit had been ambushed by Taliban. Luttrell was the only survivor and his experience inspired his book “Lone Survivor,” which eventually was made into a movie.
During the recognition, 
fans in attendance responded with a standing ovation. Players of both the home and away basketball teams, including the officials, reportedly ignored the game in progress and stood and added to the prolonged applause for the Lucas family.
Sponsored by optics manufacturer Leupold & Stevens, Hometown Heroes recognizes the brave men and women of U.S. armed forces, first responders and everyday heroes during each home game. Hometown Heroes honors heroes, past or present, with in-game recognition, a gift from the Trail Blazers and Leupold and Stevens, and complimentary game tickets. “The Portland community has been our home since the company was founded in 1907. We owe these brave individuals so much for all they do to protect and serve our country and community,” Said Rob Morrison, Vice President of Marketing for Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Learn more about Jeff Lucas at jefflucasmemorial.com. For more about the Hometown Heroes program, visit Leupold.com.
