New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has delivered a heartwarming surprise ahead of Super Bowl LX, gifting a decorated Navy veteran and passionate NFL fan a trip to the big game in San Francisco.

Dart announced the gesture in a recent post on X, teaming up with USAA, the official Salute to Service partner of the NFL, and The American Legion to honor GMC Gary Schacher, a lifelong New Yorker from Cobleskill.

Schacher, who served 26 years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves (1980–2006), rose to the rank of E7 Chief Petty Officer. His career included commissioning the USS Clifton Sprague (FFG-16) in 1981, roles as a Gunner’s Mate and Small Arms Instructor, overseas deployments to Rota, Spain, and Fallujah, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Seabees, and numerous commendations, including four Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, expert pistol and rifle medals, and New York state honors like the Conspicuous Service Star and induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017.

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A dedicated community leader, Schacher has been active in The American Legion for over 26 years, serving as the first Iraq War veteran to become commander of its New York Department (2018–2019). He helped establish the Patriot Highlander Challenge obstacle race to support wounded veterans and co-founded the Leatherstocking Honor Flight for World War II veterans.

Though a lifelong New York Jets fan, Schacher cheers for the entire NFL and will attend his first Super Bowl with his wife, Laurie.

The couple will meet Dart and other current and former NFL stars at the USAA Salute to Service Lounge before the game.

“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,” said Dart. “To show my appreciation, I’m grateful to work with USAA and The American Legion to recognize a deserving military veteran and NFL fan, GMC Gary Schacher, with a trip to the Super Bowl! 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.”

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The initiative highlights ongoing efforts by USAA and players league-wide to celebrate military service members.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants’ Jaxson Dart gifts Navy vet trip to Super Bowl LX