Charity Softball Game Supports Michigan's Wounded Vets

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A charity softball game in Dearborn this weekend will raise money for wounded veterans.

The second annual Michigan Warriors vs.Guns & Hoses Charity Softball Game takes place Saturday at King Boring Field, adjacent to the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. at Greenfield. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Admission to the game, which pits military veterans against members of the Dearborn police and fire departments, is free, but donations will be accepted at the gate, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to military and veteran families assisted by the American Legion Michigan Wounded and Returning Warrior Program.

Last year, the event raised $9,000 through donations. This year, the goal is to raise $13,000.

“Last year was amazing,” Sean Green, commander of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council and a member of its Reconnect Committee, said in a news release. “Players and fans had a great time and the money was used to improve the lives of veterans and their families.”

An escort of American Legion Riders, police and firefighters will provide a ceremonial opening. The ceremony will include the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council color guard; and Mike Buda, who is the state commander of the American Legion in Michigan, a Dearborn resident and former Marine.

The first pitch will be thrown out by representative veterans of every conflict from the WWII era through modern conflicts.

The Michigan Warriors team is composed of veterans from across the state, including some that have been assisted by the Michigan Wounded and Returning Warrior Program. The police and fire department ranks in Dearborn also include many veterans.

The Michigan Wounded and Returning Warrior Program provides a lifeline to veterans returning from conflicts. Through it wounded and returning warriors and their families have been provided all-expense paid retreats, including to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The program hosts and funds group PTSD, Eco-Therapy Retreats at the American Legion Wilwin Lodge facility in partnership with the Michigan Psychological Association Foundation therapists. The group retreats incorporate new and cutting edge therapy techniques such as equine therapy and allow nature to help heal combat trauma.

he American Legion Michigan Wounded and Returning Warrior program also offers community educational presentations on the effects of PTSD and helps ease the burden of reintegration by providing emergency temporary financial assistance, help with home modifications, guidance for disability claims and direction and access to a vast network of service providers, including adaptive sports clinics.

“In the military, we never leave anyone behind on the battlefield,” Gary Tanner, founder of the Michigan Wounded and Returning Warrior Program and chairman of the American Legion Department of Michigan Reconnect Committee, said in a statement.

“This program ensures our Michigan military families and our veterans aren’t left behind when they return home,” he said.

The family-friendly event will include a display of police, fire and SWAT vehicles; hot dogs, chips and drinks; and an auction that includes golf packages, a basket of cheer and, hundreds of dollars of gift cards to Dearborn restaurants.

Besides Green and Tanner, the planning committee also included Dearborn firefighter Mike Mattern and Dearborn Police Cpl. Jason Skoczylas.

The Michigan Warriors vs. Guns & Hoses Charity Softball Game is financially supported by Detroit’s Own Clothing, the Dearborn Biergarten, Dearborn Police Charities, Dearborn Firefighters Burn Drive, Park Place Catering and Echo’s Place.

» City of Dearborn photo