'It means something'

Vietnam War veteran Willy Stringfield threw out the ceremonial first pitch April 16 during the Montgomery (Ala.) Biscuits home baseball game with the Mississippi Braves. The American Legion Department of Alabama and the Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) teamed up to provide 250 free tickets to Vietnam War veterans who receive treatment at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) as a way to honor them for their service.

Stringfield, a member of Legion Post 133 in Millbrook, said that throwing out the first pitch was “an honor.” But being recognized for his service meant even more to Stringfield.

“It means something that, if you didn’t serve (in Vietnam), you really don’t understand how much it means,” Stringfield said. “It’s a special moment that if you’re not a veteran, I don’t think that would actually understand the camaraderie that went on.”

Department of Alabama Adjutant Greg Akers said he spoke with OCW Coordinator Bruce Drake during an American Legion System Worth Saving visit to the CAVHCS about the potential for sponsoring veterans at a Biscuits game. Drake said an OCW grant could handle the request.

“That started the whole plan in process,” Akers said. “VA pitched in as far as print product, pins, stickers, you name it. Locally, they made all the public-service announcements. This has been a partnership between the Legion and the VA to make it happen.”

Bret Robbins, public affairs officer for the CAVHCS West Campus in Montgomery, said it’s never too late to welcome home those who served in Vietnam. “When they came home from the war, they did not have the welcome home they deserved,” he said. “This is our way of saying ‘welcome home and thank you for your service.’”

Stringfield likes seeing the Legion working hand in hand with VA. “More organizations should get involved with the VA,” he said. “It takes veterans organizations to get involved and to make things happen to make veterans aware that there are people who care.”

The Montgomery Biscuits, a Double A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, already are active in supporting the military in the area. Jay Jones, corporate account manager/military specialist for the Biscuits, said the organization has regular military appreciation events.

“We spoke with the VA, in conjunction with The American Legion, to bring out these Vietnam vets,” Jones said. “It’s just a perfect fit because we work great with the military. They’re such a big part of this community.”

The OCW grant provided funding to pass out 200 game tickets to patients at the CAVHCS and make another 50 available at the gate. They also provided “Biscuits Bucks” to purchase food from vendors at the game.

And veterans who attended also were presented hats, Vietnam veteran pins, Alabama American Legion dog tags and other items.

Legionnaire David DeSpagna, a member of Post 111 in Oxford, Ala., came to the game because he’s a Braves fan. But he was happy to see the Legion have a booth near the main entry of the park. “I love it,” he said. “(The Legion serves) the soldiers and veterans, and they speak up for the soldiers and veterans.”

Honoring Vietnam veterans in a setting like a baseball game was special, Akers said. “Ceremonies are ceremonies,” he said. “(It’s) not very often do you get to come out, watch a ballgame and just relax with a bunch of your veteran friends.”

And to Stringfield, it showed that he and others who once served in the military aren’t forgotten. “There are so many people out there that actually do care about the veterans,” he said. “I’m finding that out.”