A big hit for hospitalized veterans

A mid the aroma of hot dogs and the cheers of fans in packed ballparks around the country, DAV members this summer hosted hundreds of hospitalized veterans and returning Iraq and Afghanistan service members at Major League Baseball games.

"The patients had a good time and really enjoyed getting out of the hospital for a while," said Department of Maryland Service and Activities Team Leader Carl E. Bethke, who organized the July 9 DAV Day at the Ballpark game in Baltimore which drew 1,240 members, 318 hospitalized veterans, and 70 patients from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. "Everyone really enjoyed the fireworks display at the end of the game," he said. "But the Orioles were shut out by the Kansas City Royals 7-0."

"This is our fifth year hosting the game," said Bethke. "Prior to the game we talked with players during batting practice, Department Commander Wilbert B. Forbes, Sr., accepted the Orioles' Heavy Hitter Award presented by outfielder Larry Bigbie, and our leaders received an on-field introduction to the cheering fans. Our attendance is growing and we're doing more and more service each year."

Fans attending the game also received special DAV baseball cards featuring the Orioles' Bigbie. The card was one of hundreds of thousands that feature team players and managers handed out at major league ballparks across our nation this summer, with each card containing a message about the DAV's mission to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families.

Then Senior Vice Commander James E. Sursely played a big role in tossing out first pitches at DAV Day at the Ballpark games in Tampa and Miami, Fla. He threw out the first pitch at the June 25 game in Tampa, and he and other Department of Florida leaders received on-field introductions. In the stands, 70 DAV members and 40 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans enjoyed the DAV video "Baseball--Real American Heroes," which honors the military service of baseball players, and distribution of DAV baseball cards featuring seven Devil Rays stars. The fans were rewarded with a victory as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays defeated the Florida Marlins 2-0.

In Miami, Sursely again threw out the first pitch for the July 2 Florida Marlins game against the Devil Rays. The game was attended by 80 DAV members who hosted 30 hospitalized veterans from the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center and 40 National Guard soldiers who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The crowd was most appreciative of the Disabled American Veterans," said Department of Florida Adjutant Albert H. Linden, Jr. "That was the longest standing ovation that we've ever seen. It was impressive. The crowd was clearly supportive, and many fans came up to say thanks to Jim Sursely."

"The DAV baseball cards featuring seven Florida Marlins stars were a great crowd pleaser," said Linden. "They really liked them." But the Tampa Bay Devil Rays won the game over the Florida Marlins 4-2.

Houston Astros executives received National Commander awards during the May 30 game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Awards were presented during pre-game ceremonies to Astros owner Drayton McLane, General Manager Gerry Hunsicker, Business Operations President Pam Gardner, and Community Development Vice President Marian Harper to honor the Astros' support of disabled veterans.

Prior to the game, Astros pitcher Brandon Duckworth visited hospitalized veterans at the Houston VA Medical Center to honor the brave men and women who sacrificed for our nation's freedom.

During the game, DAV Chapters 9, 72, and 194 helped the Astros salute veterans by providing a color guard for the National Anthem. Houston National Service Office Supervisor Larry C. Geddie threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game as more than 400 DAV members hosted guests in the stands from the VA medical center, Houston Vets Center, and the DeGeorge Homeless Veterans Residence.

"The DAV video about baseball received a very warm and rousing welcome," Geddie said. "It was a great turnout and the Astros won." Houston defeated St. Louis 7-1.

Similar DAV Day at the Ballpark programs were observed by the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, and Minnesota Twins. Other games were scheduled this summer by the Oakland A's, Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, and San Diego Padres.

"It was an excellent game in Milwaukee," said Department of Wisconsin Adjutant Maurice Jackson. "We had excellent seats, and Major League umpire Jerry Layne, a DAV Celebrity Entertainment Program participant, visited hospitalized veterans at the Milwaukee VA medical center."

"It was a fantastic night at the Twins game," said Department of Minnesota Adjutant Dean Ascheman. "The Twins baseball cards featuring manager Ron Gardenhire was a hit, and they introduced 12 DAV and Auxiliary leaders on the field before the game. They were so proud."

In September, DAV Day at the Ballpark games are planned by the New York Yankees on Sept. 1, Cleveland Indians on Sept, 5, Texas Rangers on Sept 12, and Boston Red Sox on Sept. 23.

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