American Battle Ground coming this summer to pay homage to veterans

In this competitive environment, the fans are supporting teams that support them in so many ways through everyday life. Everyone, the fans and the participants, can in some way then support the American military veteran.

It’s time to ‘heed the call,’ the theme for American Battle Ground. This is a team sports series of 10 events taking place Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bonaire Middle School. The teams are made up of local law enforcement officers, firefighters, active duty military members, military veterans, civilians and high school coaches. They will run a 100-yard dash, a relay, throw softballs and footballs, do an obstacle course and a tug-of-war.

But there’s more to it than just the Aug. 13 day of fun. At New Hope International Church on June 25, it’s the family trivia contest where churches, non-profit organizations and businesses can put teams in for a $125 entry fee. The winning team gets a trophy and a check … not for themselves, but to donate to any cause that helps others.

And, on Aug. 7, Rigby’s Entertainment Complex hosts Veterans’ Appreciation Day with American Battle Ground games of dodge ball and bowling. Also on that day, it’s the Heed the Call 5K run/walk led by the Georgia Patriot Guard and Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Groups beginning at 8 a.m. at Veterans High School to Bonaire First Baptist Church.

Steve Rodgers, president/CEO of Servants Task Force, created American Battle Ground and hosted an introductory conference at Rigby’s on Thursday. Here, a public service announcement was debuted where everyone from pastors to state legislators to Miss America Betty Cantrell asks people to ‘heed the call.’ This PSA will then air on television throughout the summer.

“We are calling it a community awareness event that brings attention to local veterans organizations that help with the mental, physical, spiritual, and other needs of those men and women who fought for our country in the past,” said Rodgers. “It’s going to be a fun day of sports. We want to bring out all our vets and families and friends in Houston County to be a part of this.”

According to Rodgers, this will involve “the greatest” people “in the world.”

“This is not a fund raiser,” said Rodgers. “None of these organizations asked me to raise money. We are doing this so we can educate everyone in the county about these veterans organizations and what they do. How they take care of our vets … great things they don’t get recognition for.”

Rodgers said one out of four people in Houston County is either active duty or a military veteran, and 100 percent of the population owes their honor and respect to veterans and is in some way connected through family or friendship.

“We are going to ask for sponsorship from our local businesses to help us with the costs to put this on,” said Rodgers, who plans on meeting with Chamber of Commerce representatives in Warner Robins and Perry. “All the money we make will be pooled and equally spread to the eight different groups. The reason we are doing this is we owe them a debt we could never fully pay. By coming together we become a powerful force for other things in the future.”

By coming together, Rodgers means churches, businesses, non-profits, citizens, Robins Air Force Base and political leaders.

More about veterans organizations that will be supported by American Battle Ground, how you can contribute on Aug. 13 or through partners Rigby’s and Shane’s Rib Shack, or to register for the 5K and trivia contest, go to www.americanbattleground.com.

HHJ News