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Generally Speaking: Wounded Warrior Amputees play ball in first NYC outing here

July 17, 2014 Theodore W. General
BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Ted General
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The NationalWounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team comprised of veterans and active duty military personnel who had lost their limbs and are now fitted with prosthetic legs and arms, played their first game in the Big Apple in Shore Road Park near Bay Ridge Parkway.

Team members hail from cities and towns clear across America.One of the players, U.S. Marine Tom CarloAfter months of extensive rehabilitation with their new prosthetics, they are able to return to the ballfields of the nation as competitive athletes. Their team motto is, “Life without a limb is limitless.”

Pre-game ceremonies included a mini parade from outside the park to the center of the ballfield with a color guard led by retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Lee Anderson, a former Fort Hamilton Army Post deputy commander. Anderson, along with Congressmember Michael Grimm, a Marine Corps veteran, carried replica M14 rifles and the flag bearers carried the American flag and the five flags of our Armed Forces.

At the pitcher’s mound, State Senator Marty Golden, one of the key sponsors of the day’s program, extended opening greetings, calling on Congressmember Grimmto lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, and then recording artist Ryan Star to sing the National Anthem.

The female trio American Bombshells sang God Bless America, and performed later on the sidelines while the softball teams were warming up. Others joining Golden for brief opening remarks were City Councilmember Vinnie GentileNicole Malliotakis and Felix OrtizChip Cafiero, who chaired the Bay Ridge Committee with panel members Chris KingMike McKnightNicolette CafieroLinda VanPaul SanFilippoArlene Keating and Bobby Bourne. The military amputees played against the Bay Ridge All-Star Sluggers.

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Ron SchweigerBrooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who addressed society members at their 134th anniversary luncheon celebration at the Bay Ridge Manor, also installed the officers and directors for the 2014-2015 term of office.

In addition to Schweiger, they included First Vice President Michael SpinnerTed GeneralSherman Silverman and Secretary Holly Fuchs.The keynote speaker was New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur SchackMarty Markowitz.

Members of the society are not necessarily “old.” It’s somewhat of a misnomer because they do have young members. Any citizen that was born in Brooklyn or lived here for at least 25 years is eligible for membership.

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In addition to getting a new Fort Hamilton garrison commander later this month, the current Command Sergeant Major Hector Prince will be retiring from the Army. The new Command Sergeant Kevin Fauntleroy

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