LAKE HAVASU CITY – Come out and show your support for local veterans at the Echo Band of Brothers softball grand opening at SARA Park on Saturday, Sept. 30.
It’s all thanks to the Havasu Youth Advisory Council (HYAC). HYAC is an organization that is dedicated to helping youths explore their dreams and ambitions. It’s also an organization that gives back to the community through local projects.
Advisor of HYAC Jerri Bracamonte, approached Echo Vets Band of Brothers about forming a softball league for veterans. Co-President Stacey Lee of Echo Band of Brothers agreed.
Seeing it as another inspiring activity where veterans can thrive and support each other. Son of Bracamonte Greg Hughes, is the Project Engineer of Sunland Asphalt and Construction.
Hughes along with his supervisor Michael Lucarelli, is covering the expenses the first two veteran softball league seasons. Hughes and Lucarelli presented a check to Echo Vets Band of Brothers in the amount of 5,000 at last month’s city council meeting.
Echo Vets Band of Brothers was founded by former Marine Veteran Steve Baird in 2013. Baird, who had previous challenges as a return veteran, formed a support group where former members of the military would feel valued and welcomed.
Baird is an avid participant on improving the struggles that the veteran community faces. He is actively involved with businesses owned by veterans as well as veterans in need of housing.
Lee, an Army Desert Storm veteran, partnered with Baird. Together, their mission is to create additional chapters of the group and to organize nationwide outreach. Aside from their new softball team, the group currently offers a ten week vocational training horsemanship program.
Other Echo Group activities, are still underway such as a billiard league and a bowling league.
On Saturday September 30, you will get to see the veterans of the community in action.
From 6 to 8 p.m. at SARA Park’s field 4, you can attend to donate or just show your team spirit. Joining the softball league is not just exclusive to veterans.
Active service veterans and family members of veterans are encouraged to join in the fun as well.
Are you ready to play with this amazing team? It’s not too late!
Veterans that have signed their roster to join by September 29 will receive an Echo Group Band of Brothers jersey. The softball grand opening is free to the public.
To find out how to participate, call Stacey Lee at 805-757-8223. To learn more about Echo Group Band of Brothers, please visit Echo Vets: A Veteran Community: For Veterans by Veterans.
Phaedra Veronique
