John Collins to host veterans at Hawks home games

On Veteran’s Day, Hawks power forward John Collins announced an initiative to host 800 local veterans at 20 Hawks home games this season.

Forty veterans from the Atlanta area will attend games at a time and will sit in the “Baptist Battalion” section, receiving free tickets, transportation and a shirt from The Baptist Collection, Collins’ clothing brand based on his league nickname.

Collins was raised by two veterans: his mom, Lyria Rising-Collins, who served more than 22 years in the Air Force, and his dad, John Collins Jr., who served 20 years in the Navy.

“I have seen the sacrifice our veterans make on a daily basis, and it’s important to me to do what I can to make sure they know their service is appreciated,” Collins said. “I’m honored to be able to thank them in this small way for all they have done and continue to do for our country.”

The first 40 veterans will attend Hawks-Magic on Monday at State Farm Arena.

Below is a list of the games in which Collins will host veterans to sit in the Baptist Battalion:

vs. Celtics, Nov. 17

vs. Thunder, Nov. 22

vs. 76ers, Dec. 3

vs. Hornets, Dec. 5

vs. Rockets, Dec. 13

vs. Nuggets, Dec. 17

vs. Magic, Dec. 22

vs. Bulls, Dec. 27

vs. Timberwolves, Jan. 19

vs. Heat, Jan. 21