Orlando Magic, Chase and Operation Homefront Honor U.S. Marine Corporal NBA.com Josh Cohen April 8, 2017
As part of the Magic’s Fan Appreciation Night, Bravo and his family were honored on the court for their military service during Saturday’s game against the Indiana Pacers. They also were surprised with a 55-inch television, a $1,000 check for home furnishings, tickets to Walt Disney World, a bicycle for the kids and a personalized Magic jersey.
ORLANDO – The Orlando Magic have made a concerted effort over the past few weeks to share the ball and trust one another. Frank Vogel, his coaching staff and his players recognize the importance of team cohesiveness. In many ways, this is why the Magic rank in the top 10 in assists over the last dozen games.
Through his own life experiences, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal David Bravo has the same attitude and outlook. He knows that good teamwork is critical for success.
Bravo served as an air defense controller in the Marines from 2011 to 2016. Through outstanding leadership and devotion, he rose up the ranks and played a major role while deployed in Afghanistan. He directed fighter aircrafts, helped launch surface-to-air missiles, conducted surveillance and performed tactical air traffic control and data link coordination.
Bravo’s contributions and attention to teamwork never went unnoticed. In fact, shortly after being discharged from the military, he and his family received some incredible news. Thanks to JP Morgan Chase and Operation Homefront, a national organization whose mission is to build strong, stable and secure military families and help them thrive, the Bravos were awarded a mortgage-free home in Riverview, Fla. They will move into the new home in July. read more here
Orlando Magic Teamed Up with Chase and Building Homes for Heroes for a Special Home Award and Other Surprises
NBA.com
By John Denton
April 13, 2015
Alan met his future wife, Erika, while the two were serving together in the Army at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Co. The family has lived in Pembroke Pines in South Florida in recent years, but it will be moving to the new home in Kissimmee in June once their oldest daughter, Camila, finishes the current school year.
ORLANDO – Just minutes after presenting retired Army Sergeant Alan Wyrwa, wife Erika and daughters Camila and Ariel with a variety of gifts to go along with the mortgage-free home provided by Chase that they will soon move into, Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins shook his head and summed up the awe-inspiring experience in one brief sentence.
“This,” Martins said while still being somewhat in amazement of the tears, smiles and excited dances from the Wyrwa family, “is what making a difference in someone’s life is all about.”
The Magic joined Chase and Building Homes for Heroes on Saturday night during Orlando’s home finale to honor Sgt. Wyrwa and the family with a variety of gifts. Sgt Wyrwa, a North Carolina native, was in the Army’s infantry division for 12 years and he did four tours of duty in Iraq and another year of service in Afghanistan before an IED blast left him no longer unable to serve his country.
Wyrwa, who was honorably discharged from the Army in 2013, was recently awarded a mortgage-free home in Kissimmee by the Magic, Chase and Building Homes for Heroes.
The Magic also made the night extra special by recognizing the Wyrwa family at midcourt and honoring them with Disney Park Hopper passes, a two-night Marriott Vacation Club stay, a 40, inch television, $1,500 for home furnishings and new bicycles for the girls.
Wyrwa said that the whole night felt like a dream, and he couldn’t have been more impressed with the generosity of the Magic and Chase.
Erika Wyrwa, who was also in the Army and served one tour of duty in Afghanistan, said that landing the new home was a welcome relief to a family that has struggled to plant some stable roots since leaving the military because of the difficulty in finding work. Alan has been unable to work because of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and injuries suffered while in battle, but he hopes to one day own his own business following his schooling.
read more here
'Silent Gina' Wows Crowds with Song Music Helped Unlock the Voice of a Little Girl with a Form of Autism -- Now she's Singing the Anthem to Giant Crowds By Michelle Miller
(CBS) It's only a few steps to center court at the U.S. Open. But getting here has been a long, incredible journey for 7-year-old Gina Incandela, as CBS News Correspondent Michelle Miller reports. Gina's trials began at age 2, when she still wasn't talking. Her parents got a disturbing prognosis. The doctor told Gina's mom, Michelle, "I don't know if she is ever going to speak." Diagnosed with a form of autism, Gina began intensive speech therapy. Progress was slow, until music unlocked the development door. Gina's schoolwork and social skills improved. It turns out, this challenged child has a remarkable gift. read more here Silent Gina Wows Crowds with Song Gina Singing at the Mets Game Gina Singing at the U.S.Open Gina's Website Couric &Co: Gina's Song
If you live in the Orlando area and missed the OperationSafety91 event, make sure you "thank" the media for not letting you know about it. Gina was there and as usual, sang with perfection.
This is Gina’s story. Gina Marie Incandela is seven years old. She attends second grade at a private school in Kissimmee, Florida. On the average day she can be found running, jumping, playing, talking with her many friends at school and learning as much as she can. She loves to learn new things. She also sings and plays the piano.
When Gina was about 2 years old she was diagnosed with PDD NOS (an autistic spectrum disorder). The pervasive development disorder diagnosis was a result of evaluations sought because Gina could not speak at age 2. In fact, Gina did not really start speaking words until after age 3. In addition to a speech and language delay, she had many other developmental delays. She did not have age appropriate social skills. She had poor eye contact, sensory issues, and feeding issues among others. She had difficulty transitioning and did not adapt well to new environments. She was often afraid in public and could not tolerate noisy places such as theme parks or carnivals. She had odd behaviors such as scratching the floors and walls and stacking her toys instead of playing with them. She had no imaginary play skills. When she went to a playground, she showed no interest in other children. She would simply pick up sticks and rocks.
The doctors that diagnosed her were unable to state whether her condition would improve or worsen. They were unable to tell us whether she would ever be able to speak. Their advice was to enroll her in a specialized program as quickly as possible to give her the best chance to overcome her disabilities. She attended the UCP Charter School in Osceola County in a full time day program starting at around age 2.
Unfortunately many families are sharing the experience of such a diagnosis more frequently every day. Gina received various therapies including, occupation, speech and language and behavioral. She is now in a “regular” class at a private school. She still receives therapy at school and at home but, continues to thrive and advance.
Gina has worked very hard over the past few years to reach every goal set for her. Now, this beautiful child that once could not speak, has established herself as an up and coming vocal star. She has performed the National Anthem at major events around the Country including the 2008 US Open, NBA, MLB and NHL season games. She is also no stranger to a recording studio. At the age of 6, Gina released her first CD single entitled “I Dare To Dream”. Written just for Gina by songwriter/producer Thomas Michael Dale, “I Dare To Dream” is an inspirational ballad that sends a message of hope.
Shaq's wife in Orlando car crash generateDate Updated: 11:51 a.m. The wife of former Orlando Magic center Shaquille O'Neal was injured Tuesday when she was involved in a traffic accident in Orlando. Read more...
