Hurlburt Airmen play ball with Wounded warriors

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eboni Reams
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Seven Hurlburt Airmen played on the Northwest Florida Armed Services softball team, against the Wounded Warriors Amputee softball team at the Morgan Sports Complex in Destin Nov. 3.

More than 200 fans from the local area came out to witness military members and the wounded warriors compete to raise awareness of the sacrifices and resiliency of veteran amputees and what they can accomplish through intense rehabilitation.

"It was an awesome game, playing and watching these guys compete after what they have gone through," said Staff Sgt. Marcus Mader, Tactical Air Control Party of 23rd Special Tactics Squadron. "It was fun to be a part of and compete against them."

The Wounded Warriors softball team formed in 2011, tours 40 cities a year. The founding coach said he was impressed with the team's reception from the local area.

"We want to thank the local community for their support," said Dave Van Sleet, Wounded Warriors Amputee softball team coach. This small area with a big military presence was the best organized welcome we've ever seen."

Although the NWF Armed Services softball team defeated the Amputee Softball Team after eight innings of play, the game served as more than a competition for some fans.

"The coach of the team visited my son in the hospital after he was injured in Afghanistan and let him know what the wounded warrior team had to offer," said Maureen Hess, mother of a wounded veteran. "So we came to support them tonight. He actually played in this facility in high school, so it brings back good memories."

For more information, visit woundedwarriorsamputeesoftballteam.

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Hurlburt Team Members:
TSgt Bryant Adarme, 1 SOMXS
MSgt Kelly Bradshaw, 1 SODS
SSgt Marcus Mader, 23 STS
SSgt Patrick O'Connell, 1 SOCES
SSgt Ryan Ostrowski, 1 SOEMS
SSgt Anthony Skalamera, 801 SOAMXS
SSgt Lonnie Stover, 1 SOCS