School honors military at game

By Matt Bookwalter, Belvoir EagleMay 3, 2012

Lining up
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First Pitch
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All Smiles
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Rendering Honors
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ACUs and baseball gloves
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FORT BELVOIR, Va. (May 3) -- Mount Vernon High School's baseball team, The Majors, hosted a military appreciation event during their game Monday night against the Hayfield Hawks.

The night started out with a short speech about Fort Belvoir's many connections and links to Mount Vernon High School, the last day of the Month of the Military Child, as well as Fort Belvoir's Centennial Celebration Year (1912-2012) and the upcoming Army Birthday.

The first pitch was thrown by Belvoir's Staff Sgt. William Helton, 212th Military Police Detachment, as active duty, reserve and veteran servicemembers joined him at the pitcher's mound.

"I was nervous," Helton said, laughing. "I honestly just wanted to get the ball kind of close to the plate, but it was cool. A World War II veteran handed me the ball."

Military dependents from both teams also joined the servicemembers behind the mound during the first pitch.

"This game is unique," Helton said. "It's the two schools that have kids from Fort Belvoir. There are lots of military kids here; and tonight was about how we support each other."

The reverence for military and their Family members was shown while the national anthem was played before the game.

"It was touching and heart warming," said Warden Foley, retired Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class and WWII veteran. "I have a son who retired from the Army and seeing this just makes me remember all the sacrifices we made."

After the opening ceremonies, Families settled into the bleachers to watch the game.

"We're happy to come out and be a part of Mount Vernon," said Col. John Strycula, Fort Belvoir Garrison commander. "If there's anything we can do to support Belvoir's families, we will."

The evening ended with the Hawks beating The Majors, 3-2.