Amidst the excitement of football season, one Navy veteran received a life-changing surprise. Gary Schacher, a veteran with over two decades of service, found himself on a unique journey from analyzing a college football rivalry to attending the Super Bowl LX, thanks to an unexpected announcement.
During a conversation with representatives from The American Legion and USAA, Schacher initially thought he was discussing the Army-Navy football game. To his astonishment, he learned he was selected to attend the Super Bowl. “It didn’t register,” Schacher told Utah’s Deseret News. “It took a few more minutes of them to say it again and again that I was selected to go on a trip to the Super Bowl.”
“It took a few more minutes of them to say it again and again that I was selected to go on a trip to the Super Bowl,” Schacher said.
Among just seven veterans chosen nationwide by USAA, Schacher was deeply honored. His Super Bowl experience included witnessing the Seattle Seahawks triumph over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Schacher, who dedicated 26 years to the Navy and Navy Reserves, felt grateful to the organizations that made this experience possible, including USAA, The American Legion, and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
QB Pitches in to Help
The journey to the Super Bowl began with a recommendation from The American Legion, partnered with USAA, an NFL sponsor. As part of their initiative, NFL players with military connections, like Jaxson Dart, are involved in sending veterans to major events. Dart, who has family ties to the military, expressed his appreciation for fans and his commitment to honoring veterans, stating, “I’m grateful to work with USAA and The American Legion to recognize a deserving military veteran and NFL fan, GMC Gary Schacher, with a trip to the Super Bowl!”
At the game, Schacher met Dart and other NFL players in the Salute to Service Lounge. Although a New York Jets fan, Schacher supports the Giants when they aren’t playing the Jets and sees Dart as an emerging star in the NFL.
Quick Choice Alters Life
In 1980, a spontaneous visit to a recruiter’s office with a friend led 19-year-old Schacher to enlist in the Navy. This decision sparked a 26-year military career, with service ranging from Florida to Iraq. Schacher joined as a chief petty officer in Operation Iraqi Freedom and received numerous accolades, including the Navy Commendation Medals, New York Conspicuous Service Star, and induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017.
A Story of Service and Football
Even after retiring from the Navy, Schacher continued to serve through community involvement. He co-founded the Leatherstocking Honor Flight and the Patriot Highlander Challenge to support veterans. His leadership extended to The American Legion, where he was the first Iraq War veteran to become the commander of The American Legion Department of New York.
Football has always been a constant in Schacher’s life, contributing to his sense of camaraderie similar to his military experience. Reflecting on his journey, Schacher shared, “It’s part of why I joined The American Legion after I got out of the military was to keep that camaraderie.”
In 2005, Schacher missed watching the Super Bowl due to his deployment in Iraq but experienced an unexpected homecoming through the painted walls honoring the game. Fast forward to the present, Schacher had the opportunity to witness the Super Bowl live, an experience he describes as “a memory that will never be forgotten.” Despite his allegiance to the Jets, Schacher rooted for the Seahawks, noting, “New England always destroys the Jets, so it’s hard for me to root for New England.”
