Navy Veteran Surprised with Super Bowl Tickets from Quarterback

A Rockland County man, who served in the Navy for 26 years, received an unexpected invitation to the Super Bowl. This came from Jackson Dart, a quarterback with a military background, as part of the USAAA and Veterans Program.

Interestingly, this veteran, Gary Schacher, is a lifelong Jets fan but hasn’t been to a game since the 1970s.

In the lead-up to the Super Bowl, remarkable events often occur, shaping lives and careers. Recently, Schacher, 65, was gifted two tickets to the 2026 Super Bowl by Dart, who has partnered with USAA and the American Legion to honor veterans like him.

“I’m still in shock. It’s been over a week and I’m really surprised,” Schacher mentioned during a phone call.

He receieved a call from the American Legion, inviting him to a Zoom meeting focused on next year’s Army-Navy game. They compared that game to a Super Bowl for college football before revealing that he would actually be attending the Super Bowl.

Initially, Schacher didn’t grasp the significance of what they were saying until it sunk in: “You were selected for your service and accomplishments in the military,” they told him.

His military record includes roles such as gunner’s navigator and small arms instructor. He participated in various Navy assignments, including those that took him to places like Fallujah, Iraq, and Rota, Spain, and was awarded multiple medals for his service.

Reflecting on this honor, Schacher commented, “As I look back on our first season, I am most grateful for the connections we have made with the fans.” Dart also expressed the importance of recognizing those who served, emphasizing that without veterans like Schacher, the opportunities to enjoy the game wouldn’t exist.

Despite being a lifelong Jets fan, who reminisced about players like Joe Namath, Schacher humorously acknowledged that perhaps he should start supporting the Giants now. He has not been to a football game since 1973.

He finds it amusing that a Giants player would send him to his first Super Bowl experience, noting, “I think I need to be more of a Giants fan now.” Schacher hasn’t met Dart yet but plans to do so prior to the game.

“I’m a huge football fan, and it’s incredible to be part of such a significant event,” he said, reflecting on the Super Bowls he’s watched on TV, never expecting he’d get to attend one in person.

His wife, Laurie, will join him for the big game, and they have two daughters, with one living in Seattle as a Seahawks fan. When asked about his plans for Dart, he simply said he might express gratitude and mention Dart’s Rookie of the Year potential, hoping he stays with the Giants for years to come.