Come join in a touch of Americana. On July 3rd it's The Modesto Nuts Vs. The San Jose Giants. Batter up. Let's play ball. The troops and their families will be honored this Fourth of July weekend in Modesto, California.
The game starts at 6:35 PM at the John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Rd.
www.modestonuts.com
The citizens of the small rural community will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with America’s bravest and finest on God’s green earth. The first pitch will be thrown out by a local hero, Army SPC Luis Montalvo. Luis was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in Iraq.
Everyone in attendance at the ball park will be asked to stand and give thanks to the local heroes for giving service to our country, the United States of America. There is nothing more inspiring than shaking hands with the best generation of men and women living amongst us today. These brave troops look awesome in their camouflage fatigues.
The Blue Star Mothers and their families will truly feel honored to participate in the post game event, along with The Blue Star Riders and local heroes. These troops served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The patriotic festivities will take place on July 3rd and 4th.
On the July 4th, America’s Birthday, the magnificent mothers will participate in a grand parade, some riding in a WWII military transport vehicle, and others will walk the parade rout, tossing candy to children in the crowd. There will be fireworks both evenings that will tickle the fancy of all ages.
During the baseball game, barrels will be set up at both entrance gates to collect snacks, travel games, and toiletries for care packages to be sent to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A decorative red, white and blue table will hold a hundred yard long letter of support from the Central Valley for individuals to write their messages of loving support to be sent to our brave heroes serving in Iraq.
Along with the day’s fun, a 50/50 raffle with be held, with the proceeds used to cover the shipping cost of care packages going to Iraq and Afghanistan. The entire two days promises to be filled with fun and patriotic pride for all.
Debbie Katsounakis, cofounder of The Blue Star Mothers, Modesto chapter, will be among the honored guests.
Debbrah comes from a long line of service to our country. Genealogy is one of Debbie’s hobbies. She has ancestors who have served in every war beginning with the Revolutionary War. Her father served in Korea, and fought in the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge. Many of his comrades did not make it home after that battle. He came home, got married, and had four children.
Debbie’s father was accidentally killed at work ten years after coming home from war. She was just a baby of sixteen months old when he passed away.
She thought about her father when her own son was serving in Iraq. Debbrah often wished that her father had been alive to console and counsel her when her precious son was off fighting in the war on terror.
It was her deep abiding faith in Jesus Christ, along with reading her Bible everyday that gave her that special courage for days that were to follow. Her words that follow should be an insight to those who are called to serve.
“I found great comfort in my faith while my son was deployed. I love God, my family and my country. Three separate groups, but, they all go together, as you can’t love one without the other.
“I am a proud mother of an American soldier. My son enlisted in the Reserves in March of 1999 as a Military Policeman. He was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom in March of 2003 and finally came home in June of 2004.
“I am married to a great guy and we have three wonderful sons’ ages thirteen, and twenty one. My oldest is now twenty five.
“I became involved with the Blue Star Mothers in the summer of 2003. At that time, there were very few resources if any in our area for parents that had children serving or that have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.
“It was extremely difficult having my child goes to war, but with the bad comes the good. I have met some amazing individuals, and been blessed with their friendships. I would not change a single moment of the past three years. The rest is history.
“Once your child goes to war, all those that serve become your children. I think about the troop’s everyday, I say a prayer every night for them to stay safe and come home soon. I am reminded every day of these brave and courageous individuals, I have one living in my house. He is my constant reminder of the character and dedication of those serving and all veterans, past and present.
“I was once asked how long I will be a member of the Blue Star Mothers. My answer is until I am deployed to heaven.
“I will be a voice, a supporter, a comforter and a friend until that time. God Bless America! God Bless the Troops.”
Related Information:
“Honoring the Troops and Their Families”
Game: July 3, 2006 Modesto Nuts v. San Jose Giants starts at 6:35 PM
Where? The John Thurman Field 601 Neece Rd. Modesto, CA 95351
www.modestonuts.com
Phone :( 209) 572-HITS (4487)
Fax :( 209) 572-4490
fun@modestonuts.com
Parade Info July 4th: The parade begins at 9:30 AM, Downtown Modesto
Communications & Events Chamber of Commerce
Paige Miller Buck Director of Events — 415-352-8837
Samantha Leo Manager/Events — 415-352-8858
Douglas Lovie Customer Service Representative — 415-392-4520
Attention all media:
Debbie Katsounakis, president of The Blue Star Mothers, Modesto, Ca., chapter is available for radio, TV interviews. She would be happy to speak about the troops and their families.
The Modesto Blue Star Mothers
http://www.mcvbluestarmothers.org
President
Debbie Katsounakis
President@mcvbluestarmothers.org
The Blue Star Riders Website
http://www.bluestarriders.com/
The Ceremony Torch Circle” “The Blue Star Mothers of Modesto
Modesto Troop Support Rally
http://imageevent.com/flyover/modesttroopsupportrally
The Blue Star Mother’s Home website-Main Headquarters
http://www.bluestarmothers.org/
The Gold Star Mother’s website-Main Headquarters
http://www.goldstarmoms.com/agsm/Home/index.htm
