Military Foundation softball tourney Aug. 16
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Howard County has the largest number of military veterans, per capita, in the nation. The overwhelming majority of them thrive in the local community, and many of them continue to serve as police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and firefighters.
On Aug. 16, those men and women of public safety will be joined by workers from the City of Kokomo belonging to AFSCME Local 2185 and the members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 873 in a friendly softball tournament fundraiser to help veterans who have fallen on hard times.
The tournament, organized by the Military Foundation, Inc., is an opportunity to enjoy a sporting spectacle while raising money for a good cause. According to the foundation’s vice president, Roy Phipps, the event is the main source of revenue for the organization. And every dollar raised is devoted to helping veterans.
“Our entire mission is to assist veterans from Howard, Miami, Tipton, and Cass counties who run into financial difficulties,” said Phipps. “This is our ninth year, and basically this is our one and only fundraiser.
“It's a free will donation for the public to attend; we have a fireman’s boot at the entrance. And we go around to businesses and individuals who possibly might contribute. We run a silent auction that day, too.”
Phipps explained that the foundation accepts applications from veterans in need. If they have been honorably discharged, a board member reviews the application and checks in with the applicant’s creditors. If the applicant clears the review, the board votes whether to assist.
The Military Foundation tries to keep individual assistance to $1,000 or less. Typical assistance is devoted to utility bills and housing costs, but each case is different, Phipps said.
“There have been times when we exceeded the limit,” said Phipps. “We had a situation in December where we actually reached out to the other military organizations to help us. We had a mother with three kids who were about to be evicted from their home. Between everybody, we got to keep them at home at Christmas, and they actually had a Christmas.”
And the softball tournament helps make it happen. The event takes place at Kokomo Municipal Stadium, and the gates will open at 7 a.m. on Sat., Aug. 16. The girls of Howard County Thunder – a 14U fastpitch softball organization – will put on an exhibition at 8 a.m. before the tournament gets underway.
After an opening ceremony at 9 a.m., the Kokomo Fire Department will face off against the Kokomo Police Department in the opening round of a single-elimination tourney. The Howard County Sheriff’s Department will battle the Military Foundation next. The teams from AFSCME Local 2185 and IBEW Local 873 drew byes and will face the winners of the first two contests.
The championship game is scheduled for a 2:15 p.m. start.
The foundation has arranged for a food truck to provide concessions throughout the day, and there will be door prizes given away as well as the silent auction taking place.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Those interested are asked to visit www.militaryfoundation.org. Otherwise, the public is invited to come out to the ballpark and root on their favorite team.