X BAT IN THE ARMED FORCES
Letter from LCDR Terrence Allvord, USN
1 September 2005
Dear XBATS,
Nearly a year ago we asked if you would
like to be part of military baseball history. Thankfully you
responded with great enthusiasm. We are proud to report that
with your help, we did just that! We also learned that the
homeruns we hit were not as important as the bonds we created
with the patriotic American people all over this great country.
As a testament to your direct contributions
to our phenomenal success both on and off the field you provided
us with the unique and cherished opportunity to stand in support
of our men and women serving in the War on Terrorism. WE
COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!
In fact, due to your dedicated support of
our historic “Red, White and Blue Tour” featuring Army, Navy,
Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel competing
together for the first time in history you became a “Most
Valuable Player” of our program, our armed forces, and our
nation. Thanks to people like you, our combined efforts were a
complete success!
On The Field
We claimed a record 9th Armed Forces
Championship and the Southern Division Championship
in the Western Baseball Association (19-3) posting an overall
record of 32-6, earning one of only 42 berths to the 71st
Annual National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita,
Kansas. Although we were unable to attend the World Series due
to lack of funding it was a great achievement. The silver lining
is that we were invited to play the Chinese Taipei National Team
and have already been invited to participate at the 2006 World
Series.
We appeared in over 50 games against the
finest summer collegiate baseball organizations in the country,
including the Cape Cod and New England Collegiate Baseball
Leagues. There were numerous once in a lifetime opportunities,
like performing with the U.S. Navy “LEAP FROGS” Parachute
Demonstration Team. We played in major league stadiums in San
Diego and Baltimore, met senior politicians, business and
military leaders while participating in over 200 interviews
featured on ESPN, FOX Sports, CNN, NBC, CBS and countless other
military and commercial media sources seen by hundreds of
thousands of people all over the world.
Off The Field
- We contributed more than 2,000 hours
of direct support to the USO.
- Over 50 appearances in support of the
Navy Partnership in Education Program.
- Swift Boat Vietnam Unit Memorial
Monument Preparation and Dedication Ceremony, resulting
in over 500 hours of service to non-profit group of
decorated war veterans.
- MWR Coronado Bridge Run,
provided support of more than 4000 event participants.
- Adoption of various youth teams in
numerous leagues, including a 16 year-old District 32 All
Star team. Coordinated all efforts to support management of
each team including: day-to-day operations, coaching and
administrative responsibilities during each eight-week
season providing leadership and guidance to over 100 young
girls and boys
Our joint dedication to the success of
military baseball will continue to enhance an already solid
program that promotes a positive image for the Armed Forces
while attracting future generations to serve our nation.
On behalf of the U.S. Military All-Stars,
we thank you for your support of our historic season and the
“Red, White and Blue Tour.” In 2006, we’ll continue to deliver
highly competitive and exciting entertainment, while also
providing Americans and our personnel a unique, once in a
lifetime experience and rare patriotic opportunity. We look
forward to our continued partnership as we work toward our
combined future success. God Bless You and God Bless America!
Very Respectfully,
Terrence R. Allvord
Hustle, Think, WIN!
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