Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is a process, working together is a success. This sentiment is common in both baseball and in the Military.
Minarets Varsity Baseball player and junior Aaron Hall put on his annual Military Appreciation Baseball Game on Friday, April 27th during the home game against Caruthers. Sophomore TJ Garner and junior Tylor Painter said, “We as a team get to support our military members, and do the thing we love all in one, that sounds like a pretty great pastime to us."
The stands were packed throughout the game, including the event's sponsors and both active and veteran military members throughout the community. The Minarets Cheer Team was in attendance as well as the Minarets Equestrian Team, who held the flag while sophomore Madeleine Vellandi sang the National Anthem. All attendees received a complimentary dinner as they watch the baseball game, which almost went into overtime as both teams put up a hard fight for victory. In the end, the Caruthers emerged victorious with a close score 6-5 score.
All proceeds from the event went to Doc's Dogs, a non-profit that provides combat veterans returning to civilian life with trained canine companions to help them through the overwhelming physical and emotional challenges of returning home. The organization was created by the Pleitez Family in Madera to honor their son, Spc. Benjamin 'Doc' Pleitez, who died in Afghanistan in July 27, 2012.
Special thank you to Aaron Hall for organizing this event that not only honored our local military members, but also gave back to a local non-profit for military veterans.
*Article was updated on May 7, 2018 to accurately reflect the score*