Local Heroes Play Ball for Wounded Warriors Project

Iraq War veterans, community leaders and other military personnel will celebrate Independence Day by honoring a commitment to help local veterans and families who continue to suffer from serious war injuries.

These local residents, heroes, and activists have organized a softball game on July 4, at to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior project in hopes of helping their brothers and sisters get the medical help and support they need to recover.

“Wounded Warrior Project’s reputation for support is very high because in addition to grants, they also actually hire the veterans to help promote the charity and to conduct their own fundraisers,” Thomas Roughneen, a spokesperson for the event said. “That financial support has been critical in the last ten years. This was the first group to ensure that injured veterans had a backpack filled with the necessities from the time they arrived at the Landstuhl Army Hospital after emergency transport from a combat zone.”

The Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2003 by a group of veterans and friends from Roanoke, Virginia.  The mission of the organization is to serve the new generation of veterans coming home from wars in the Middle East. Any veteran, who sustained injuries while at war – physical or psychological – after September, 2001 is eligible to receive assistance from the project.

This dedicates group of Fanwood volunteers are doing their part by hosting the double elimination softball game and a barbecue at LaGrande Park in Fanwood. Games will begin at 9 a.m. on July 4, and conclude at noon. There is a $150 entry fee for teams wishing to play in the tournament. Single players are also welcome to play and will be added to existing teams.

The Mayor and Administration of Fanwood provided strong support of this endeavor with Mayor

“This is the kind of cause that the residents of Fanwood are always willing to show their support,” Mayor Colleen Mahr said.