Gold Star Family Takes NFL Draft Stage to Announce This Team's First Pick

What would the late Paul Voelke, a major in the U.S. Army, think if he saw his family announcing the No. 1 draft pick for his beloved New York Giants? 

He would be “absolutely stoked," according to his oldest son, Andrew, who along with his younger brother, Ben, and their mother, Traci, will be announcing the Giants' first-round pick on Thursday evening in front of millions of viewers.

The brothers described their dad as a “die-hard Giants fan.” He had a custom-made rug while deployed to Afghanistan to honor "Big Blue" and watched the Giants win their fourth Super Bowl in 2012, just months before he was killed. 

They are receiving this opportunity to have this role during the draft's opening round in Pittsburgh, Penn., thanks to TAPS, (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), an organization that assists military families after the loss of a service member.

Both brothers told Military.com on Wednesday they are thrilled to get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

“I just remember over the last couple of years, seeing who the Giants picked, especially when we got (Cam) Skattebo last year, I was super stoked," Andrew said. "I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like to announce the pick.

“I have full faith the Giants will pick somebody who’s going to help the organization. I can’t imagine what it’s going to feel like, the adrenaline rush, not only from hearing the pick, but from being able to announce it. Nobody I know has been able to do this, so I’m very grateful for TAPS for allowing me to do this.”

Maj. Voelke, a 1998 West Point graduate, was killed June 22, 2012, in an accident involving a mine-protected vehicle in Afghanistan.  Andrew was 9 years old at the time, Ben was 6. It was a devastating blow to the young family, but their father’s service inspired Andrew to join the Army.

Serving as a 2nd lieutenant, Andrew will complete his first year in the military in May. 

He has no doubt his dad would be proud. Paul Voelke served 14 years as an infantry officer with five deployments to Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Despite his dad serving, Andrew didn’t feel the pull to join the military until he grew older, seeking a desire to serve his country and be a part of a strong organization in the Army. Like his father, he hopes to lead an infantry unit someday. 

“I think of him every day. He was a hero. He inspired a lot of people around him,” Andrew Voelke said. “So, if I have the ability to fill his shoes, and do the same thing, be the leader that he was, be someone that (troops) felt safe with, not only following him into battle, but when they had problems in their lives...I hope to live up to that. I think we need more of that in the U.S. Army.”

Who Will They Announce? 

The Giants actually have two first-rounds picks (Nos. 5 and 10), but the Voelkes will announce the 5th overall selection.

Ben said he hadn’t been combing the mock drafts much leading into Thursday night. He would rather be a bit surprised when his family announces New York’s top pick. 

“Honestly, I think we should take Caleb Downs,” Ben Voelke said, referring to Ohio State University's defensive back. “I think we need more help in the secondary, that’s why we lost a lot of our games and blew a lot of leads last year, so that’s my hope.” 

Andrew agrees, believing the Giants must shore up their porous defense. He’s eyeing Jacob Rodriguez, a linebacker from Texas Tech, who’s projected to go in the second round, but anything can happen. Both Downs and Rodriguez have strong military ties. 

“What I’m looking forward to the most, besides honoring TAPS and my dad, is just getting the opportunity to change a young man’s life,” Ben Voelke said. “I don’t think any NFL player has forgotten the day they were drafted. And I really hope that he’s excited for us to call him and that he gets to experience one of the best nights of his life.”

No matter whose name they call Thursday night, both are optimistic that the Giants will turn their fortunes around in 2026 after several down years.

'He Would Be Very Proud'

While the boys were young when they lost their father, both have fond memories of attending Giants games with him. 

Being a military family, the Voelkes relocated frequently. But Paul always made sure to check the Giants’ schedule, pinpointing games that were close to whatever base they were living in.

“Anytime the Giants came into town, he would take us to the games,” Andrew said. “I think he would be very proud, not only that we’re representing the Giants, representing him, but also representing TAPS and representing Gold Star Families of America for people who’s loved one made that ultimate sacrifice and didn’t get to come home."

I think he would be proud, not only that we’re representing his favorite team, but also spreading awareness.

Ben feels his dad would take comfort knowing his family has been cared for after his death, through organizations like TAPS. 

“There’s a huge community that’s always going to care about us and support us and I’m sure he would be ecstatic knowing we also get to perpetrate that onto the world, it’s on national television,” he said, speaking of the draft. “I think he’d be really happy.” 

They remember their dad as a fun, easy-going guy who rarely raised his voice in anger. 

“He was just a chill guy,” Ben said. “He was very open and very laid back. But he still had a huge part in the world. He was able to do all he did in the military and all his accomplishments really speak for themselves.” 

Despite being a heavily decorated soldier, with a Bronze Star Medal, two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Meritorious Service Medal, it paled in comparison to the pride he felt being a father to his two boys. Andrew said their dad rarely missed an opportunity to brag about his sons at work.  

“He always looked forward to coming home to play baseball with us, watch our sporting events, and watch the Giants games with us,” Andrew Voelke said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better dad.”