GIVING THANKS
Young Americans too often come back from foreign wars with life-changing wounds. As we carry on with our lives, they struggle for the rest of theirs.
To help ease that struggle, the Fairfield Ludlowe High School boys & girls lacrosse programs are hosting the 17th Annual Sticks for Soldiers™ Thanksgiving Lacrosse Classic on Saturday November 25, 2023.
PLEASE JOIN US IN RAISING FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR THESE HEROIC AMERICANS.
In 2022, 24 boys and girls teams that included over 350 high school athletes raised over $50,000. In 16 years, over $1.1 million has been donated locally to wounded servicemen and their families.
THE POWER OF THIS TOURNAMENT GOES WELL BEYOND MUCH-NEEDED FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
It also raises awareness. All of us tend to forget. For high school athletes, the chance to compete and raise money for wounded men and women just a few years older than themselves is unforgettable.
PLEASE HELP US GIVE THANKS. To men and women who changed their lives to protect ours.
2022 HONOREE
UNITED STATES MARINE SSG (RETIRED)
BRANDON LAIRD
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I grew up in a small town in eastern Arkansas, total population 300, with one red light, in a single-family home. My mother did the best to raise us and provide for us, however, from a young age, I knew I wanted to get out of this town to see the world and achieve a better life for me and my future family. I saw the military as that opportunity, and I set my dreams of becoming a fighter jet pilot for the United States Marine Corps.
I always knew that I wanted to join the United States Marine Corps and to serve my country the best way I knew how, however my dream to be a pilot would not be, but I would get the chance to be the next best thing, an Aircraft Mechanic.
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In August of 2001, I left for boot camp to MCRD San Diego, CA. Little did I know that during my boot camp training, 9/11 would also happen. I was shocked, as I knew exactly what that meant for me and my newly acquired MOS. Nevertheless, I put my emotions on my sleeves and rolled them up, as I finished the remainder of bootcamp. The day would finally come, and in March of 2003, I would deploy with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During that time, our unit would be subjected to regular mortar attacks among many other things that would later play a role in my mental health. In October of 2005, I would be deployed again, this time to Afghanistan with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit assisting with Operation Enduring Freedom. With each trip overseas, a part of me would remain there. In 2006, I would then be transferred to VMAT 203 Harrier Squadron. I would learn to enjoy this new role teaching young marines the proper skills to work quickly and under pressure.
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DONATE
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE,
AND YOU CAN HELP.
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This is an all-volunteer effort. If you are interested in additional information, to donate, become a sponsor, volunteer, or to secure a team spot in the next tournament, please contact Bob Vitale, President and Tournament Chairman at sticksforsoldiers@gmail.com.
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Donations may be sent to:
Sticks for Soldiers, Inc.
c/o Treasurer
PO Box 475
Fairfield, CT 06824-0475
Checks made payable to:
Sticks for Soldiers, Inc.
Memo note: 2023 S4S
Sticks for Soldiers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization recognized by the IRS.
EIN #: 46-0962202
STAY CONNECTED
DONORS & SPONSORS
Sticks For Soldiers is a non-profit charity lacrosse tournament held in Fairfield, CT to raise money for wounded troops. The mission of the tournament is to provide support and give thanks to the service men and women who put their lives on the line and sacrificed for our country, while raising awareness among high school athletes to the sacrifices being made by people just a few years older than they are. The tournament and related fund-raising efforts has now raised over $1,000,000 in 15 years.