Kyle Palmieri Looks to Build Momentum on 2nd Annual Military Ball
NEWARK, NJ – What started as a way of recognizing military service members has blossomed into a platform to give back to the patriots who put their lives on the line as New Jersey Devils right winger Kyle Palmieri prepares to host his second annual military ball through the Kyle Palmieri Foundation on Saturday, February 22 at The Venetian in Garfield, NJ.
Inspired by the close military connection with his sister and brother-in-law serving in the National Guard and U.S. Army, Palmieri launched the military recognition program "Squad 21" four years ago to give back to the active and retired service members. That initiative has grown wings over the course of the last few years and has expanded into a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds for those in need after their service to our country.
"Coming into last season, I wanted try and build on the momentum that we established over the past few years," said Palmieri after the team's morning skate in an interview with Patch.com. "I got to meet so many cool people and their families that have supported them for their service."
While he has received some great feedback from those attendees through the Squad 21 program, Palmieri was seeking new ambitious ways to make a positive difference for the military community.
Devils forward Kyle Palmieri (third from the left) pictured with several active duty servicemen at last year's inaugural Military Ball. (Photo courtesy of the Kyle Palmieri Foundation)
"This is an opportunity to find some great organizations that could benefit from raising awareness and funds for some of these awesome programs," Palmieri added. "The venue this year will be able to fill a lot more people so I hope that it's an event that people are looking forward to."
The non-profit organizations that stand to benefit from the Kyle Palmieri Foundation's 2nd annual Military Ball include:
"Pets for Vets is one that you see how much of an impact that pets can play in the rehabilitation and the emotional support in our veterans," Palmieri explained. "They go through a lot transitioning back into the civilian life. Some of these dogs and pets that can offer support I think eases that transition."
Palmieri was made aware of all of the great work that the National Military Association through his sister Taylor Palmieri, who is in the Air National Guard and his brother-in-law Stephen Ficchi, a United States Army Ranger.
"Not many people know about this, but when they started developing veterans groups a lot of that was geared towards male veterans," explained Palmieri, speaking on the values of the Service Women's Action Network. "As women started making careers out of the military, there were some loopholes that fell short as to providing the necessary assistance. They're a group that advocates and provides a lot of awesome benefits to the females that serve our country."
Palmieri leads the Devils in goals scored (16) and points (30) this season. His performance has earned him his second consecutive appearance as an NHL All Star. Last year, Palmieri represented the Metropolitan Division, the winning team of the 3-on-3 single elimination tournament and scored a goal in the team's 10-5 victory.
However, his accomplishments on the ice are underscored by his impact off the ice and on the streets in the New Jersey community.
"I think it's an incredible opportunity for me having grown up in New Jersey and now being in a position to give back to the veterans and our community through the special platform I have to make an impact on some of their lives," Palmieri, who played varsity hockey for Jersey City's Saint Peter's Prep. "It's a chance to not only connect with the military community in this area, but you meet so many special people that it goes above and beyond the connection of the state you grew up in."
After the Devils traded former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall to the Arizona Coyotes, they had a void to fill in the leadership role with the team's alternate captain. Interim coach Alain Nasreddine chose Palmieri and linemate Nico Hischier as rotating players to wear the prestigious "A" on game days.
Palmieri's value to the New Jersey hockey organization continues to be demonstrated throughout his five-year tenure with the Devils and he has emerged as one of the few veteran leaders on a young, rebuilding team. His off-the-ice impact is just as impressive.
