Navy Vet Surprised with Super Bowl 2026 Invite from Giants QB Jaxson Dart

65-year-old Rockland County native Gary Schacher, a 26-year Navy veteran, will attend the big game thanks to a special program.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 65-year-old Navy veteran from Rockland County, New York, Gary Schacher, was surprised with two tickets to Super Bowl 2026 by Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. Schacher, who served in the Navy and Navy Reserves for 26 years, was selected by Dart and USAA, the official Salute to Service partner, to receive the tickets as part of a program honoring military veterans. Schacher, a lifelong Jets fan, was shocked by the invitation and is looking forward to attending his first Super Bowl.

Why it matters

This gesture by Jaxson Dart and the USAA program highlights the importance of honoring and supporting military veterans, many of whom have made immense sacrifices for their country. Providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience like attending the Super Bowl is a meaningful way to show appreciation for Schacher's decades of service.

The details

Schacher, who achieved the rank of E7 Chief Petty Officer, served in various roles in the Navy and Navy Reserves, including as a Gunner's Mate and Small Arms Instructor. He was awarded numerous medals and honors for his service, including four Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, and induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017. Dart, who has family members who have served in the military, teamed up with USAA to gift Super Bowl tickets to seven military veterans like Schacher.

  • Schacher was surprised with the Super Bowl invite during a Zoom call he thought was about logistics for the upcoming Army-Navy game.
  • Schacher last attended a Giants game in 1973 and a Jets game before that, so this will be his first time at a professional football game in over 50 years.

The players

Gary Schacher

A 65-year-old Rockland County native who served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves for 26 years (1980–2006), achieving the rank of E7 Chief Petty Officer. He was awarded numerous medals and honors for his service, including induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017.

Jaxson Dart

The quarterback for the New York Giants, who has family members who have served in the military and teamed up with USAA to gift Super Bowl tickets to seven military veterans like Schacher.

USAA

The Official Salute to Service Partner, who worked with Jaxson Dart to select and gift Super Bowl tickets to military veterans like Schacher.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm still in shock, and it's been over a week. It was extremely surprising.”

— Gary Schacher, Navy Veteran (New York Post)

“As I reflect on my first season, I'm most appreciative of the connections I've made with the fans and the local community who show up for us every single day. Coming from a military family myself, it's important for me to honor those who served because we wouldn't have the chance to do what we love on Sundays without the sacrifices made by heroes like Gary.”

— Jaxson Dart (New York Post)

What’s next

Schacher will meet Jaxson Dart for the first time next week before the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story showcases the power of sports to bring joy and recognition to those who have served our country. By honoring veterans like Gary Schacher, the NFL and its players are setting an example of how to give back to the community and show appreciation for the sacrifices of our military heroes.