A friendly bowling competition among 30 military families and players and staff from The Atlanta Braves kicked off The Atlanta Braves Military Basebowl Holiday Bash on Dec. 6 at Midtown Bowl.
In its fifth year, the event brought together the families to ring in the holidays in a fun way to make fond memories. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Veronica Williams admitted she was not the best bowler, but was ecstatic to be a part of this event.
“It’s an honor to be here with my son, watching him have so much fun and really enjoying this moment,” she said.
Williams was deployed twice, once to Afghanistan and once to Iraq.
The annual event is also a way to honor and give thanks to the men and women who serve in various branches of the military and their families. The Braves presented a check for $27,000 that would be distributed to the United Service Organizations, SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center, Wounded Warrior Project, BraveHeart: Welcome Back Veterans Southeast Initiative and United Military Care.
The proceeds were raised through an online auction of the military appreciation jerseys that were that the Braves sported at five home games paying tribute to service men and women.
Pitcher David Hale was joined by pitching coach Roger McDowell, and Braves alumni Marty Perez and Johnny Estrada. And they all shared the same sentiment of the day.
“Seeing these families out here today having fun and spending time with each other really puts things into perspective,” said Hale. “The service men and women including their families sacrifice a lot for us and I am glad the Braves could be a small part in their time together during the holidays.”
In other news: Delta Community Credit Union presented $32,100 to Children's Miracle Network to help young patients at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The money was raised during the seventh annual Delta Community Tees Up "Fore" Kids Golf Tournament held at Marietta Country Club in Kennesaw on Oct. 27. Donations made to CHOA will help provide care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
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