The Washington Capitals had a special guest at Verizon Center Thursday. General Mark A. Milley, the 39th Chief of Staff for the US Army, dropped the ceremonial first puck ahead of Army Night at Verizon Center.
Extremely honored to have General Mark Milley, Chief of Staff for US Army, drop the first puck tonight at #CapsJets Army Night. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/x7PvhiVYWK
— #CapsFightCancer (@Capitals) November 4, 2016
Before conducting the face off, Milley shook the hands of Jets’ captain Blake Wheeler and Capitals’ captain Alex Ovechkin. He gave them each a Chief of Staff coins.
The coin features the seal of the United States along with Milley’s engraved signature.
Photo: Wes Johnson
Milley also met with Army veteran and Caps’ PA Annoucer Wes Johnson and gave him a coin as well.
Photo: Wes Johnson
“Army Chief of Staff General Mark A. Milley called out “Specialist!” (my rank in the Army) and handed me this very cool Chief of Staff coin,” Johnson wrote on Facebook. “It’s as heavy and cool as meeting the General.”
Milley also took this fun selfie with Johnson and Bryon Hudtloff.
GAMEFACE!! With very special VIP guest, Army Chief of Staff General Mark A. Milley! #CapsJets pic.twitter.com/CvdXOBZxzQ
— Wes Johnson (@WesJohnsonVoice) November 3, 2016
Before the game, the Military District of Washington’s US Army Band Quartet sang the national anthem while the Caps held an in-game salute that recognized all branches of the US military.
Puck drop @ Army Day at the #Capitals Special salute 2 Soldiers, Families, and Veterans 4 your service and sacrifice. #USArmy #CapsJets pic.twitter.com/fsiOq6blN6
— GEN Mark A. Milley (@GENMarkMilley) November 4, 2016
