THE PLAYERS

Sgt. Nick Santoro is a United States Marine Corps Veteran who served 3 tours with 3/8 (3rd Battalion 8th Marines) WPNS company from 2003-2008. His deployments included Haiti (2004), Fallujah Iraq (2005) and Ramadi Iraq (2006). Nick received a Purple heart from injuries sustained from an IED explosion while fighting in Ramadi Iraq in 2006. Although he battles with TBI and PTSD (among many other injuries) since his return home, his recovery has not stopped him from moving forward and striving for success.

When I finally got medically retired from the Marines in 2008, it was a constant battle to find my place, find peace, and personal enjoyment in anything. However, when I got the phone call from an old friend I used to play hockey with growing up informing me about this team, I didn’t hesitate to join, despite not putting on skates in almost 10 years. Being part of the Flyer’s Warriors team has been an incredible and unforgettable experience. Getting on the ice with like minded Veterans and trying to better ourselves physically and mentally everyday, is helping me personally stay on a track to success. Everything the Flyers organization has done for us has outlived all of my expectation and I am honored to be playing and have met such an amazing group of people. A special thank you to Brad Marsh and Rob Baer for coaching us every week to become better hockey players on and off the ice.

Chief Master Sergeant Savidge spent most of his career in the Aero-Medical Evacuation community. As a qualified aircrew member on multiple aircraft (C-17, C-130, KC-135), his primary role was in-flight patient care of sick or wounded during peace and wartime/contingencies. As a member of the crew, he learned the importance of working together as a team, the flights can be long while flying across many time zones while caring for and transporting patients. “One of the best feelings is to help care for and save someone you don’t know”.

Similarly to working together in peace or wartime conflicts, members of the Armed Forces develop a bond to reach a goal; a successful mission. The Flyers Warriors also work together to accomplish a goal as a team. The bond that exists during our service commitment, seems to end when our service ends. The Warriors camaraderie allows us to feel connected once again, working together to achieve a successful mission as a team.

Sergeant First Class Senchak’s years of service consisted of many elements of training for a variety of scenarios, expecting none of them needing to be put into action. My career jobs included Fire Direction Control Computer, Military Police, Radar Operator and Field Artillery Target Acquisition Platoon Sergeant.

“Flyers Warriors is an opportunity to connect/reconnect with the military camaraderie through the common interest of hockey. The therapeutic value from the team, family, community bond created is a tremendous positive to help the adjustment to civilian life while keeping a military connection.”

Two weeks after Sergeant Shankin turned 21, she was shipped off to her basic combat training (BCT) & advanced individual trianing (AIT) at Ft Leonard Wood, MO. She became an 88M (Truck Driver) where she drove trucks for the 465th Trans Co. out of Bristol, PA. SGT Shankin’s Unit got deployed from Dec 10′ – Nov 11′ during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a line haul driver, delivering supplies to different Forward Operating Bases (FOB) in Iraq.

“It’s been an outlet for me not only physically, but mentally as well. It’s given me the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort level and better myself as a hockey player as well. The team has become a second family. Most of all, the experiences I’ve had because of this organization have been incredible and I’m grateful for all of them. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

Airman First Class Shortall was stationed at Minot AFB, North Dakota as a nuclear MP, which meant she would protect nuclear weapons while maintenance would come in to fix what was needed on the nuclear weapon. After working at Minot AFB for about a year and a half the military transferred her to Dover AFB, DE, where she worked the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Gate. Her responsibilities at CVI included, but not limited to inspecting vehicles for bombs, weapons, and any illegal substance. She would than eventually be re-tasked to help and assist with dignified transfers, which was where she would help to insure the safe and respectful transfer and movement of service members who have passed away over sea and were being brought home.

“The Flyers Warriors is an amazing program for disabled veterans. Not only has this team taught me a huge sense of camaraderie but they also showed me what a second family can really mean. Playing with the team is fantastic, but what goes on behind the scene is even better. The team also provides help to fellow veterans, for example: they provide therapy for a veteran in need or help with some cost of schooling. Not only am I proud to call the Philadelphia Flyers Warriors my team, i’m also honored to call them my family.”

Rebel Shortall, is the Service Dog to goaltender Brittany Shortall and is considered to be the teams Mascot. Brittany received Rebel 5 years ago after her service ended. Rebel loves long walks on the beach, Belly-rubs, Butt-scratches, playing with hockey pucks, licking snow off the ice, and being a supportive rock for Brittany and the whole team. If you are lucky and get to meet this adorable little dude, make sure you thank him for his service!

SPC Sparenga was an Army Brat, meaning his parents met while they were in the Army. He had the passion to serve, so he followed in his parents footsteps and signed an 8 year Army Reserve contract in August 2001. After Basic training and AIT where he became an MP (Military Police), he was then involuntary transferred from the 367th MP Company in Horsham, Pa., to Fort Eustis, VA 88th MP Combat support Unit. He would then be deployed to Kuwait, then Iraq in 2003. He would en up finishing his contract and would ETS out of the Army reserve in May of 2009. “Happy to have served and received one hell of a life experience and many new relationships with my fellow soldiers.”

“This organization was and is helping me sustain my love for this great game of hockey and build relationships with other soldiers. This organization enables myself and all to receive assistance with our disabilities and improve our Mental Health through the game of Hockey. I has been fun to watch us all help each other and grow our relationships with our team mates. I look forward to the growth of the organization and the future relationships with new members.”

1st Lieutenant Stinger was an Infantry officer assigned to 3rd Battalion,187th Infantry Regiment, Rakkassans, 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). He was a Rifle and Anti-Tank Platoon Leader, the Headquarters, Headquarters, Company (HHC) Executive Officer (XO), and a brife stint as the replacement HHC Company Commander. “Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault! Rangers Lead the Way!”

“It’s a great place to be around veterans who are like minded individuals who love the game of hockey. I am particularly interested in listening to their stories. Being a part of the Flyers organization is pretty amazing as well.”

Sergeant Svolto enlisted in the US Army in 2004 as a counterintelligence and human intelligence collector. He served his active duty time at Ft. Huachuca, AZ and Ft. Gordon, GA. SGT Svolto deployed to Kuwait and Qatar in 2005. From 2007 to 2008, he deployed to Khost Province, Afghanistan. He then transferred to the NJ Army National Guard until his discharge in 2012.

“This organization is giving him an opportunity to re-enter the sport after a near decade hiatus due to knee injuries and surgeries. Being a part of this team means he can connect with other veterans and improve his health. Returning to excellent physical fitness means he can keep up with his daughter and mow the lawn faster.”

Corporal Sweeney was a Combat Engineer assigned to 7th Engineer Battalion at Camp Pendleton, CA. He deployed to Fallujah / Ramadi Iraq from 2008-09 and to Helmand Province Afghanistan from 2009-10 (Marjah Invasion).

“The Warrior program has created a great networking opportunity to meet local veterans who share a lot of common interest and develop new friendships through the greatest sport there is.”