325th SFS softball team plays WWAST in USSSA Military World Tournament

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Security Forces Squadron intramural softball team played the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team for the United States Specialty Sports Association Military World Tournament at Frank Brown Park, Aug. 18.

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is made up of young athletic veterans and active duty servicemen who have lost limbs while serving their country since 9/11.

According to WWAST officials, the team includes individuals with amputations of the arm, above the knee, below the knee, bilateral below the knee, and foot. Some of the players are still in the service, while others have decided to attend college or move on to new careers.

"This is the first time we have played the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, and we feel privileged to do so," said James "Gunny" Hazzard, the 325th SFS team coach and plans representative for the 325th SFS.

The game brought in a crowd of more than 100 people. The 325th SFS softball team came in sixth place during the 2011 season. The team is comprised of 325th SFS Airmen and civilian personnel.

"The men on WWAST have suffered serious injuries but refuse to let that define their life," said Senior Airman Patrick Blair, 325th SFS commander's executive airman and softball team member. "Those guys were on the money through the entire game and their warrior spirit showed through their determination to never give up. Even though they are stricken with a disability, you would not know it based on their team performance and play."

The WWAST mission was created to raise awareness of the sacrifices and resilience of our military through exhibition and celebrity softball games. Through these games the WWAST members demonstrate their ability to overcome challenges and that anything is possible.

"Our opponents played extremely well," said Airman 1st Class Andrew Jones, 325th SFS community police and softball team member. "We played a great game and it was an honor to play with our fellow service members. I have the upmost respect for all the countless hours of training they have done to get where they are today."

"They kept their heads held high and I want to personally say thank you to every one of those guys for their service and for what they are doing," added Airman Jones.