Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team to compete at Wright State University

  • Published
  • By W. Eugene Barnett Jr.
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team will bring approximately 17 players and coaches to play two exhibition games
at Ron Nischwitz Baseball Stadium, on the campus of Wright State University, May 21.

The first game is 9 a.m. against a combination of all-star players from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, local police and firefighters.  The second game is at 3:30 p.m. against all-stars from the Miami Valley's most competitive "senior" softballers, members of the Dayton Legends Softball Club, according to Scott Kuhnen of the WWAST-to-Dayton Committee.

Kuhnen said the trip to Dayton by the WWAST is a fundraiser for the new Fisher House at the Dayton VA Center, and they would like to contribute as much as $10,000.

The first game's opening ceremony will feature Team FASTRAX skydiving with the American flag into the stadium, and a flyover by a Wright B Flyer.  After the game, 'WWAST Salute to Vietnam Veterans' will be at 11:00 a.m. and will recognize and honor Vietnam veterans as part of a nationwide tribute.  During the ceremony WWAST will bestow a Vietnam War service pin, certificate of service, and 50th Anniversary buttons.  They will conclude with a hand-shake and a "Welcome Home," according to Tim Gebard, Co-Chair WWAST-to-Dayton Committee.

Welcoming the vets onto the baseball diamond will be the stadium's namesake, Mr. Ron Nischwitz, "retired head baseball coach at WSU from 1975-2004."  Home plate will be staffed by Dr. Tom Hardy, deputy director of the Dayton VA, and the bases by local dignitaries representing the Vietnam Veterans of America, Wright-Patterson AFB, and the Fisher Houses.

Gebard said tickets are $20 each for permanent stadium (GREEN seats), and $10 each for the mezzanine (TEMPORARY seats).  Parking is free.  There is no charge for the Vietnam veterans to take part in the salute.  Veterans are asked to arrive early, sign in for both a number and to be introduced while circling the bases.