Meet Our New Favorite Ball Team Breakfast for Champions

(This article appeared in the November/December 2011 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)

Sue Carney, Director Human Relations Dept.

APWU locals all over the country are seizing the opportunity to support the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team. The Human Relations Department asked locals and state organizations to host a breakfast and organize our members to cheer for this remarkable team when they visit various cities to play ball.

Thus far, the team has joined APWU representatives from the Louisville Local, Oklahoma City Area Local, Panama City Local, Champagne Area Local, Northern Virginia Area Local, the Nation’s Capital-Southern Maryland Area Local and Nevada State for breakfast.

We first learned of the team from a news report about the Wounded Warriors, who had handily defeated an FBI team by a football-like margin of 35-10.

These guys aren’t just good ball players, they are inspiring. Watching them field, bat, and run with only one arm or with two artificial legs, you can’t help feeling consumed with pride.

The team is comprised of young, competitive, athletic veterans and active-duty soldiers and Marines who have lost limbs while serving our nation. They haven’t let their injuries stop them from being productive and enjoying life. Some are still in the military; others are attending college, thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, while others have moved on to new careers. Their mission is to raise awareness of the sacrifices and resilience of our military, and to highlight the human ability to rise above any challenge.

When the APWU contacted the team’s general manager to discuss supporting their mission, we learned the players would appreciate having a cheering section of postal workers at their games. We also learned their hectic game schedules often require the team to grab a quick bite for lunch and dinner — so they really enjoy having a big breakfast together when they get the chance. With that the Breakfast for Champions was born!

We encourage locals that have not already participated to consider hosting a breakfast. The cost is minimal, and a day at a ballgame is fun. Not only does this event give us an opportunity to say “thank you,” our participation at the ballpark offers union members, family and friends a chance to engage in a union activity they can relate to – something they might not do otherwise.

Locals that coordinate the attendance of APWU spectators may borrow an APWU Supports Our Troops banner or purchase one through the Human Relations Department for a nominal fee to help ensure we are visible to the crowd and the media during the game.

Visit the Wounded Warriors’ Web site at www.woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org to learn more about these remarkable athletes and to see when games are scheduled in your area. To make arrangements to host an APWUBreakfast for Champions event, contact the Human Relations Department at (202) 842-4271.

The APWU is exploring the possibility of hosting an APWU vs. Wounded Warriors Amputee softball game at the 2012 National Convention. Interested APWU members who plan to attend the convention who are good ball players should provide the Human Relations Department with their name, local, contact information, ball experience and position(s) played.