Fox Sports hosts Fight Night in honor of Veterans Day
Lindsay A. Preston | Military News
Fox Sports and Fox NFL Insider Jay Glazer hosted a Veteran’s Day UFC viewing party at Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 11.
The event was held at the Wind and Sea Recreation center and provided free food and drinks as well as door prizes to active duty military personnel.
“Fox Sports has a history of honoring our military service members and veterans by broadcasting shows live from several military locations around the world,” said Jay Glazer. “I’ve been doing this for years and it’s very rewarding every time we get the opportunity to give back to our military.”
Jay Glazer is the founder of Merging Vets and Players, a program created in 2015 to address the challenges former combat veterans face during life after the military. Former professional athletes come together and provide weekly physical fitness and peer-to-peer support sessions for the combat veterans.
“I couldn’t think of a more perfect weekend to give back to the men and women who serve our country and this is just a small token of our gratitude for the sacrifices they make to protect our country,” said Glazer.
During the event, Glazer interviewed Navy Diver 3rd Class Nikolas Gomez-Rocha, who participated in mixed martial arts prior to joining the Navy.
“This night was very exciting and full of surprises,” said Gomez-Rocha. “I never thought I’d have the opportunity to be on television let alone be interviewed for what I do. I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve my country and see the world and now my parents got to see me on TV It was a very humbling experience.”
Master-at-Arms Seaman Alizee Carter and her husband Brandon were also humbled to receive a football from former New York Giants football player Michael Strahan.
“This was a very fun night and we never thought we’d get to see Michael Strahan,” said Carter. “When my husband and I heard about this event we decided it’d be something fun to enjoy together.”
Fox Sports coverage across the Veterans Day weekend provided the opportunity to showcase for the American people the professionalism and commitment of the men and women of the U.S. Navy.