The Silver Star Families of America honored Veterans from the Mt. Vernon Home with free entrance to the Springfield Cardinals baseball game. What a tremendous experience to witness the joy on these wonderful men and women who served our country well.
Photos by SSFOA State Coordinator Debbie Alderson
Orignial Music by Kade Puckett
Copyright 2007
H A M M O N S F I E L D
THANK YOU to the Flight Crew who flew the Flyover in honor of our Wounded Veterans over Hammons Field before the Springfield Cardinals Ball game.
Also huge THANK You to the Missouri State Highway Patrol
and Terry Bible for the wonderful escort they provided for the
Veterans from Mt Vernon Home to the stadium.
CW3 Jeff Schwerdt and Captain Rana Sims from the 1107 AVCRAD
Trooper Terry Bible and
SSFOA Founder Steve Newton
Copyright 2005-2008
All Rights Reserved
The Silver Star Families of America is a non-partisan, not-for-profit charitable organization committed to supporting the United States Wounded Military Members and Veterans from all wars, past and present, and honoring their sacrifice with Silver Star Banners.
Content within this web site is the sole property of The Silver Star Families of America
"All photos and letters sent to the SSFOA become the property of the organization to be used
in any way we deem appropriate."
SSFOA reserves the right to conduct the day to day business of the organization as they deem
appropriate. State Coordinators and Reps will be chosen at the discretion of
SSFOA National Headquarters.
SSFOA is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit public charity organization.
See your tax advisor.
Questions/Comments Pertaining To This Web site Contact Us
On September 2nd at 6:10 at Hammon's Field in Springfield Missouri, home of the Springfield Cardinals, a most unusual event was held.
Veterans and the public joined together to say thank you to our Wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Air Force and Marines from around the area who have sacrificed their blood for this great Nation.
It started with the arrival of the Missouri State Highway Patrol giving an honor guard escort to veterans from the Missouri Veterans Home right to the gates of the ball park. Red lights flashing signaling the arrival of heroes from older wars.
As these veterans entered the park they were met by members of the Silver Stars who gave them free tickets to the game along with various gifts including books signed by legendary author Dean Koontz.
A steady stream of the wounded and veterans from newer wars arrived, all treated with the same honor and respect.
By the start of the game the crowd was filled with veterans, active duty Soldiers and supporters and as the National Anthem was played a Missouri National Guard helicopter roared over head giving a salute.
Before everyone could even take a seat a voice boomed from the loud speakers: “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! We have a very special group in the park today. They are the wounded of our Armed Forces from all wars, past and present. We salute their sacrifices and honor them today along with the Silver Star Families of America and the Missouri National Guard. THANK YOU.”
The applause was loud and vigorous as the crowd of more than 7000 people showed their appreciation and pride.
Signs across the stadium showed support of our troops. America Supports You, Give 2 The Troops and Silver Star Banners.
The Springfield Cardinals, a double A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals clinched a spot in the playoffs in the Texas League for the first time in their short history. Men, women and children cheered their heroes both on and off the field.
But roll after roll of veterans and wounded was a reminder that the REAL heroes of this game were in the stands.
A very special thank you to:
The wounded of our Armed Forces
Terry Bible of the Missouri State Highway Patrol
Flyover Crew: CW3 Jeff Schwerdt and Captain Rana Sims
from the 1107 AVCRAD
The Missouri National Guard
The attendants from the Missouri Veterans Home
Diana Newton, Co Founder and event manager of the SSFOA
Janie Orman, Vice President of the SSFOA
Debbie Alderson Texas State Rep of the SSFOA
Carrie Tucker, AR State Rep of the SSFOA
Karen Turcotte, ERT coordinator of the SSFOA and State Rep
Terri Rager, Ohio State rep of the SSFOA
Stephanie Orman SSFOA
Joseph Newton SSFOA
Sharon and Nathan Winklepleck SSFOA
Give 2 the Troops
