Tournament supports Veterans Memorial Team

Members of the Clermont County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) South West Memorial Team received a $2,000 check from the Cincinnati Patriots Baseball Club during today’s meeting of the Clermont County Veterans’ Services Commission in Batavia. 

“This is a great way to give back to the community,” said Patriots Club President Kevin McLaughlin.

The Cincinnati Patriots Baseball Club is a local organization for baseball players between the ages of 9 and 18.

The memorial team performed during the 2009 Memorial Day weekend 21 Gun Salute Baseball Tournament at Tealtown Park in Union Township; the memorial team's involvement in that tournament led organizers to invite veterans from throughout the community to throw out ceremonial first pitches for each game. "The kids had a great time interacting with all the veterans and we can hardly wait to do it again," said McLaughlin.

"When the kids shook hands with us, it made us feel like a million bucks," said Commander of the VFW Memorial Team David Conley. "We appreciate the opportunity to get involved in events like this. The money will be used to purchase new uniforms for the memorial team."

Conley says the honor guard participated in 160 funeral services last year.

"We provide a firing squad, taps player, and everything else that goes with paying final respects to a veteran. We do not charge a penny for our services," he said. "All of our members volunteer to be part of the squad that is there for the deceased veteran and his or her family, no matter what the weather."

"Last year we had over 90 baseball teams participate in the three-day Memorial Day weekend tournament that began with a parade led by the memorial team," said McLaughlin. "It was so successful that people have already been calling to get involved in this year's 21 Gun Salute Tournament that will be held at Tealtown Ballpark on Memorial Day weekend."