My daughter, her boyfriend, and I were attending the Angels vs. White Sox game on 18 May at Anaheim Stadium. Of course it was Armed Forces Day and they went all out. All five of the services were well represented and you could feel the emotion in the stadium. They saluted the current members and had all former members remain standing and recognized us as well.
It was a good day for the Angels as they won over my hometown White Sox. (I am an Angels fan). The Game was good, but it was the second game that was really moving. It was a game between the Wounded Warriors from Camp Pendleton and Fort Sam Houston. While we were sitting there at field level the players were introduced, and of course you could see the extent of some of the injuries. Those kids played well on prosthetics! Some errors occurred, but the game was fast paced. I explained to my daughter that some of the troops had brain injuries, and this was a way for all of them to receive physical therapy and play a team sport.
One of the stadium ushers noticed my Marine Corps T-shirt and asked me who I think might win. I told him Both sides! The old Army/Marine rivalry did not even come into my brain housing group as I was watching these heroes play. I added that I was rooting for both sides, and they all made me proud. They make America Proud! He agreed and went about his duties.
Troops on the field at Anaheim Stadium. And my daughter, her boyfriend, and me on the left. Hope you can maryy up the two emails for the newsletter.
The camo Angels hats were given out that day.
God Bless all our Troops.
Semper Fi.
Jeff Wolven
1980-1985