Over the years Upper Deck has proven that not only are they the collector’s choice, but the military’s choice when it comes to trading cards. They have supported veterans and current service members on Veteran’s Day, they have supported Operation Gratitude that sends care packages to the military, they have honored veterans like Doc Jacobs and WWII vets with their own trading cards, they have supported Defending the Blue Line which is another military charity for families and donated to Veteran’s Village during the holidays.

Through Upper Deck’s Singles Day program, American and Canadian veterans can  visit a participating retailer and score a FREE trading card while supplies last. Participating retailers will be allocated 100 of these special Museum Collection cards to use with veterans or military supporters starting on November 10, 2018. That is the day before Veteran’s Day in the USA and Remembrance Day in Canada. Upper Deck worked to find two veterans who should be honored with a trading card to be featured for this promotion.

Upper Deck Museum Collection Canadian Veteran – Len “Kroppy” Kropioski

Len Kropioski was a World War II veteran who sadly passed away in September, 2016 at the age of 98. Len was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up loving sports like baseball and hockey. He was a proud Canadian who loved his country and served in the Army for over five years. Len served alongside the U.S. forces in the Aleutian Islands Campaign and his service efforts were recognized by the State of Alaska with a special letter of Commendation.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Len settled in Kenora, Ontario.  He was a lifelong sponsor of several sports genres. Len was an avid fan of professional sports; particularly for the Winnipeg Jets. Len would make a two-hour drive just to attend games and be seen saluting and singing the national anthem. After his passing, Len was honoured by the team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3ftVy9BO0I

Upper Deck Museum Collection American Veteran – Ronald E. Rosser

Ronald Rosser is one of 17 children who joined the Army in 1946 at the age of 17 for a three-year term of service. After his older brother was killed in the early stages of the Korean War, Ronald re-enlisted in 1951 as a way to avenge the death of his brother. After being initially stationed in Japan, Rosser requested to be transferred into combat and was deployed to the heavy mortar company.

On January 12, 1942, Rosser was company came under assault on a heavily fortified hill. Rosser went forward three times and attacked the hostile positions alone, each time returning to the friendly lines for more ammunition before charging the hill again. Although wounded himself, he helped carry injured soldiers to safety and was later awarded the Medal of Honor.