Sky Guy, left, the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Chicago Sky team mascot, and U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Ebony Evans pause for a photo after she receives an honor for her service during the Chicago Sky’s final home game, of the regular season, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, September 1, 2019. Evans was honored during the game for her 19 years of service in the Army to include two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle.
(U.S. Army Reserve photo by Anthony L. Taylor) (Photo by Master Sgt. Anthony L Taylor)
Sky Guy, the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Chicago Sky team mascot, prepares to present Army Reserve Master Sgt. Ebony Evans a plaque honoring her service during the Chicago Sky’s final home game, of the regular season, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, September 1, 2019. Evans was honored during the game for her 19 years of service in the Army to include two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle.
(U.S. Army Reserve photo by Anthony L. Taylor) (Photo by Master Sgt. Anthony L Taylor)
Sky Guy, the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Chicago Sky team mascot, presents a plaque to U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Ebony Evans in front of thousands of spectators, honoring her service during the Chicago Sky’s final home game, of the regular season, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, September 1, 2019. Evans was honored during the game for her 19 years of service in the Army to include two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle.
(U.S. Army Reserve photo by Anthony L. Taylor) (Photo by Master Sgt. Anthony L Taylor)
Sky Guy, the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Chicago Sky team mascot, shakes hands with U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Ebony Evans after honoring her for her service during the Chicago Sky’s final home game, of the regular season, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, September 1, 2019. Evans was honored during the game for her 19 years of service in the Army to include two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle.
(U.S. Army Reserve photo by Anthony L. Taylor) (Photo by Master Sgt. Anthony L Taylor)
U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Ebony Evans, right, pauses for a photo with a game spectator after she received an honor for her service during the Chicago Sky’s final home game, of the regular season, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, September 1, 2019. Evans was honored during the game for her 19 years of service in the Army to include two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle.
(U.S. Army Reserve photo by Anthony L. Taylor) (Photo by Master Sgt. Anthony L Taylor)
CHICAGO, Ill. —
U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Ebony Evans, was honored by the Chicago Sky Women's National Basketball Association team for her military service during their final home game of the regular season verses the Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena, September 01, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois.
Evans, who serves as a Senior Financial Manager at the 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command since August 2018, was presented a plaque at the beginning of the fourth quarter by the team mascot Sky Guy on behalf of the team and Robert Morris University of Illinois during the “Military Moment of the Game” for her outstanding commitment and service to the country.
“"I am blessed and honored to represent the Army, the 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command, and receive the military appreciation award from the WNBA's Chicago Sky Team,” said Evans. “The audience's warm embrace and standing ovation was joyfully overwhelming.”
Following her recognition on the court in front of an audience of nearly 9,000 roaring spectators, Evans reflected further on the positive response she received from the crowd.
“After departing the basketball court floor and the arena, many fans stopped me for pictures, hugs, handshakes and overall acknowledgement of their appreciation to the military. The gratitude from the people makes every sacrifice worth it. I thank God for being able to serve others as a United States Soldier," said Evans.
Evans, is a veteran Soldier with 19 years of service. She enlisted in the Army June 21, 2001 as a (73C) Finance Specialist. She deployed to Kuwait and Qatar from 2005 to 2006, in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Chicago Sky beat the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 78 to 105.