Fort Belvoir, Va. (June 26, 2014) - Dexter Manley said it was the least we can collectively do to honor our servicemembers and their Families for their tremendous efforts on America's behalf.
The former standout Washington Redskins defensive end and two-time Super Bowl champion echoed the thoughts of many of the estimated crowd of 4,500 on hand at Pfitzner Stadium as the Potomac Nationals hosted Military Appreciation Night, Sunday.
Manley, who was among the several notable names present, said the honor was well-deserved.
"These guys have been on the front lines for us," he said. "What better way is there to reciprocate and give back to our military heroes? This is what makes America great."
The event, which was put on by Alexandria-based Mammoth Global Sponsors, Inc., Priority Financial and Reality Realty Virginia Heroes, proved a big hit among servicemembers and their Families anxious for a leisurely summer evening of baseball, as well as with the communities they serve. Roughly half of those in attendance had military ties of some sort, said Samuel Cachola, Reality Realty's broker and founder.
The Potomac Nationals, the Class A affiliate for the Washington Nationals, were the first minor league team to establish a veteran-centric hiring program.
Mammoth Global Sponsors chairman and CEO Carl S. Ey said he welcomed the community's warm reception as a strong message about how America reveres its service men and women who put their lives at risk for the nation.
"There were a lot of guys coming back from the war not thinking America really cared about them," said Ey, a retired lieutenant colonel. "Things like this, I think, send a loud message that America cares about its warriors and their Families."
All of the proceeds from the evening went to Arms Outstretched Ministry, Inc., a local non-profit dedicated to helping servicemembers wounded in combat and their Families, including those posted at Fort Belvoir. One event sponsor, Axeon Energy, donated $1,500 to the veterans-based charity.
"They need to understand that there's so many people who love and care for them and want to take care of them," said Michelle Humphries, president of Arms Outstretched Ministry.
It was all a welcome sight to all those in attendance, including U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Guillory and Republican Congressman Rob Wittman, whose 1st Congressional District includes Woodbridge.
"It means a lot to the military community," said Guillory, who was among the four people tapped to throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch. "It shows the community cares and appreciates us. We really appreciate it."
That was just the point, said Wittman, who called the evening, "a great American experience."
"People want to show their appreciation for not only all of our active-duty servicemembers, but for all of our veterans as well," he said. "I hear it every day."
Now medically retired, Capt. Hans Mumm, a veteran of the war in Iraq and the officer overseeing the Defense Intelligence Agency unit that came up with the Iraqi Most-Wanted playing cards that proved so popular, wasn't about to miss the evening and made sure to make his way over from nearby Manassas.
He welcomed the warm reception afforded him and others who have worn the uniform and continue to do so.
"It makes us feel awesome," Mumm said.
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