Watch Party Raises Money to Send Soldiers to Cowboys Game

It was quite the party at the Expo Center, as local businesses watched the cowboys game together. But they were there for reasons outside of cheering on their team. 

"Well we're here to support the troops," said Kenan Pyeatt, general manager of Lithia Toyota. "Getting these guys out, getting them out of Abilene, Dyess, getting them to a game and they don't have to pay for anything." 

The sold out watch party raised enough money to fill all 56 seats on a charter bus to send soldiers from Dyess to a Cowboys game later this season.

"It is awesome. And it's really good to know that we do have that kind of support," said active duty airman Reese Martin. 

As someone who went to the game last year, reese martin says it was a trip that could only be described as electrifying.

"The ride up there is awesome, hanging out with your friends, not having to worry about anything, really," Reese explained. 

Which is why the Abilene community has come together, to cheer for the Cowboys and to give back to those who serve. 

"You always got to give back. Every business here gives back ten times fold and we appreciate that," said Kris Randolph, president of VIP Sports Getaway. 

And as Reese tells stories about his experience last year, he says it's all about bonding with his fellow airmen.

"There have been several times where I've been on trips where I didn't know half the people, but by the time we got there, we were really good friends," he explained.

Saying it's an experience they will share and remember for many years to come.