Nov 18 - Dec 01, 2011 www.coastalbreezenews.com ...a Fresh Perspective!
WARRIORSTRIUMPH
M arco Island played grateful host to the Wounded Warrior Amputee Soft-ball team at Winterberry Park on November 12. Appropriately enough
the Warriors showed they are heroes on the diamond, as well as the battle-field, by thrashing a Police-Fire Rescue squad by 21 to 9 in the morning and following up with a 17 to 14 beating of a Marco Island Senior league team. Watching the Warriors running on one or two prosthetic legs, and fielding or batting with one prosthetic arm brought admiration and a tear or two for the indomitable soldiers and marines. It’s nothing short of astonishing to see these athletes perform.
A crowd of several hundred welcomed the Warriors warmly and contrib-uted generously to their cause. All proceeds from the games went to the War-rior team.The Warrior Team members who served in Iraq or Afghanistan are:• Saul Bosquez - amputated left leg• Tom Carlo - amputated right leg• Nick Clark - amputated left leg• Tim Horton - amputated left leg• “Doc” Jacobs - amputated left leg• Matt Kinsey - amputated right leg• Norbie Lara - amputated right arm• Dan Lasko - amputated left leg• Nate Lindsey - amputated left arm• Bobby McCardle - amputated right leg• Mike Meinen - amputated right leg• Brandon Olson - amputated right leg• Francisco Pinedo - amputated left leg• Lee Randles - amputated left leg• Greg Reynolds - amputated left arm• Phillip Rugg - amputated left leg• Brian Urruela - amputated right leg• Josh Wege - amputated left and right legs
Coaching this unique team is David Van Sleet, Department of Veterans Affairs. These young men asked for nothing more than a chance to continue playing ball. They deserve a lot more from their country. Readers who want to contribute to these heroes may contact 703-549-2288 or visit www.wounded-warrioramputeessoftballteam.org.
PHOTOS BY VICTORIA WRIGHT /COASTAL BREEZE NEWS
PHOTO BY JESSICA SIMON
PHOTO BY JESSICA SIMON
