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One of the questions I hear most often from Veterans is, "What's going on around here?" or "Is there anything for Veterans to do?" It's a fair question. While there are plenty of great organizations working hard every day, many Veterans simply don't know what's available or where to start.
That's one of the reasons I was determined to bring back Military and First Responder Appreciation Night with the West Virginia Black Bears. When I learned this longtime tradition had been removed from the schedule after losing its sponsor, I knew we couldn't let it disappear. As a Veteran, a local business owner, and someone blessed to work with Veterans every day through the Valley HealthCare System Veterans Program, this was an opportunity to enjoy a night out with the family while showing appreciation for our local heroes.
On Sunday, August 30, Kendrick Family Ballpark will once again become a place where our community comes together to recognize the men and women who have served. First pitch is at 5:00 p.m., but you'll want to arrive early because the pre-game festivities will be worth it.
Thanks to Hair Mechanix of Morgantown and the partnership with the BlackBears, all active-duty and retired Veterans and first responders will receive free admission. This night isn't about one sponsor or one organization; it's about making sure these men and women know they are appreciated.
Before the first pitch, fans will enjoy performances by the Mountainaires and the Clay-Battelle High School Band, followed by an on-field Color Guard presentation from Marine Corps League Detachment 342, American Legion Post 174, and VFW Post 9916. There will be the unfurling of a massive 30-by-60-foot American flag, generously provided by Woodmen Life Insurance. We'll be grabbing volunteers to help carry and display it across the field & if that isn't enough, we'll also have the privilege of witnessing an Army enlistment ceremony as our nation's newest Soldiers take their oath on the field prior to the start of the game.
The concourse will also be filled with organizations committed to serving Veterans and our community, including Veterans with Guitars, Veterans Upward Bound, the Valley HealthCare System Veterans Program, Marine, Army, Navy, and Air Force recruiting offices, Granville Police Department, Mon County EMS, Woodmen Life Insurance, the Forgotten Flag Foundation, and the Hair Mechanix team.
The ball game is just one opportunity to get involved. Every first Tuesday of the month, the Valley HealthCare System Veterans Program hosts a Veterans Coffee Social from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Starbucks on Foxtown Drive. It's a relaxed morning of coffee, conversation, and building friendships.
Then, on the Friday following the second Thursday of each month, we meet for our Veterans Walk at 10:00 a.m. at the West Virginia Botanic Garden. It's another chance to connect, enjoy the outdoors, and remind one another that none of us has to walk alone. Both the coffee social and the walk are open to everyone.
Be sure to mark your calendar for the Veteran Stand Down on Wednesday, August 12, at Veterans Memorial Park behind the Clarksburg VA, and for the National Recovery Month event on Wednesday, September 2, from noon until 3:00 p.m. at Jackson Square in Clarksburg. Veterans who register will receive a complimentary boxed lunch while learning about resources available throughout our region.
There are good things happening for Veterans, and they're happening because people care enough to make them happen. So tell a friend, bring the family, and join us on Sunday, August 30. I hope to see you under the lights at the ballpark, and when the seventh inning rolls around, we can all sing, "Take me out to the ballgame," together.
Terry Vance is a Veteran of the United States Air Force and the Veterans Partnership Coordinator for Valley HealthCare System. He can be reached at tevance@valleyhealthcare.org.