The bracelet is one of San Antonio FC midfielder Michael Lahoud’s fondest possessions. He wears it every day, and he said he wears it everywhere.

The ornament was made during an arts-and-craft event by two children in SAFC’s “Club and Camo” program, an initiative where players partner with children of military families who have a parent deployed, lost a parent, or have a parent who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The bracelet is equal parts good-luck charm and a reminder of what some have endured to keep this country safe.

“It’s amazing what the kids who have parents who serve, kids who’ve lost parents, what they go through,” Lahoud said. “It’s almost, at times, a loss of innocence. As a kid, you always want to be a kid.”

Lahoud knows this well. One of his best friends, Adrian Cervantes, is a Marine, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lahoud heard the stories of life in a war zone, and that’s why “Club and Camo” is dear to him. It takes on added significance in the backdrop of San Antonio’s military history and heritage.

“When I heard about the program here, knowing (Cervantes’) story, knowing what serving this country has meant to him, and it’s meant to our circle of friends, it’s a no-brainer to get involved,” Lahoud said. “I don’t think anything can prepare you for how much of a military town (San Antonio) is, but it just makes you appreciate the men and women who serve, and what they do, that much more.”

Lahoud and his teammates displayed a token of their appreciation on a sweltering Saturday night when they rallied for a 3-2 win over Reno 1868 FC in a United Soccer League contest before 7,467 at Toyota Field.

The win snapped a five-game winless streak in league competition and was the team’s first since defeating Tacoma Defiance on April 26.

SAFC (4-7-3) trailed 2-0 17 minutes into the game, but tallied three unanswered goals to remain unbeaten at home in its last six contests.

Jose Gallegos and Ethan Bryant, both 17 years old, scored goals one minute apart to provide the tying and winning goals. Gallegos, a Central Catholic junior and three-time Express-News Super Team selection, netted his first goal in the 62nd minute off a pass from fellow midfielder Jack Barmby to conclude the scoring.

Bryant, who played at Brandeis as a freshman in 2017, tied it at 2-2 when he intercepted a poor clearance by Reno defender Emrah Klimenta, and slotted a shot inside the left post that Reno goalkeeper Matt Bersano got his hands on but couldn’t keep out of the goal.

Forward Ever Guzman sparked the comeback, heading in a pass from defender Kai Greene only moments before halftime to pull the home team within 2-1 at the intermission.

Reno led 2-0, scoring twice in the first 17 minutes. Cade Cowell pounced on a telegraphed and ill-advised pass from SAFC defender Eby Ackon from deep inside his own penalty area in the 17th minute and slotted it past goalkeeper Matthew Cardone. Eight minutes earlier, Reno went ahead 1-0 when Corey Hertzog ran onto a pass from teammate Raul Mendiola and lofted a shot over Cardone.

“The guys needed this, everybody needed this, the whole city needed this,” Greene said of the win. “You could tell the fans were a little anxious when we were down 2-0 — and I don’t blame them. We had to put it upon ourselves to dig deep. We owe it to ourselves, the organization, and to our fans who come out and support us.”

SAFC did as much on military appreciation night, which has taken on a meaning that goes beyond unfurling a flag and recognizing retired and active-duty personnel in attendance.

“I don’t think we would’ve gotten the result if it hadn’t been for the people that are representing this country that are in the stands,” Lahoud said. “You could feel their energy.

“Soccer is a war on the field for 90 minutes, but it’s not anything close to what happens on the battle front, what they get to see, what they get to do, to keep this country safe.”

About 30 minutes following the thrilling win, with many of the more than 7,000 fans having already dispersed, SAFC coach Darren Powell and players signed autographs, as they do after each match.

In one section, for this moment, the gesture carried a different meaning. It was where participants in the “Club and Camo” were seated.

Monica Trevino was one of them. A mother of two daughters who attend school in the Judson ISD, she served 12 years in the Air Force before retiring. Trevino was deployed three times, including twice to Iraq, while also spending time in Afghanistan and United Arab Emirates.

Trevino learned about “Club and Camo,” and got her daughters involved. An SAFC player reaches out once a month, checking on how her daughters are doing with their classwork, and other school activities.

“Having this program, it has been amazing,” Trevino said. “My girls look forward to it.”

The players feel the same way, especially knowing they are dealing with those who experience the life-and-death reality of military lifestyle.

“We have war-torn countries and civilizations that resort to things like futbol as peace,” said SAFC forward Bradford Jamieson IV, who has a cousin in the Navy. “When you have people that have gone through trials and tribulations, and you’re on the stage for them, I think their presence was definitely felt by guys. I can only attempt to sympathize. All I can do is offer my patience, my love. There’s no real way to try and categorize someone’s trauma.”

tthomas@express-news.net

Twitter: @en_terrence