What is the Sticks for Soldiers Thanksgiving Lacrosse Classic. How does this event connect high school athletes with wounded veterans. Why is this tournament held during Thanksgiving weekend.
The Origins and Mission of Sticks for Soldiers
Sticks for Soldiers, a unique lacrosse tournament, was born from a desire to bridge the gap between civilians and military personnel serving overseas post-9/11. The event’s inception in 2006 was spearheaded by a group of Ludlowe High School boys’ lacrosse dads and their coach, aiming to foster a stronger connection between young athletes and those in active military service.
The mission of Sticks for Soldiers is twofold:
- Raise awareness about the sacrifices made by young Americans in foreign wars
- Raise funds for severely wounded soldiers returning home
This initiative has grown from a small tournament of four to six local teams to an expansive event featuring up to 60 boys’ and girls’ high school lacrosse programs from across Connecticut and beyond.
Evolution of the Tournament and Its Impact
How has the Sticks for Soldiers tournament evolved over the years? Initially, the funds raised were donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. However, a significant change occurred in 2010 when the organization began naming specific honorees as beneficiaries of the event’s fundraising efforts.
This shift to honoring individual post-9/11 severely wounded combat veterans, often from Connecticut, has had a profound impact. It has strengthened the connection between high school athletes and the realities of military service, making the sacrifices more tangible and personal.
The tournament is held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, a deliberate choice that underscores its message: “This Thanksgiving, please help us give thanks. To men and women who changed their lives to protect ours.” To date, Sticks for Soldiers has honored and supported 20 veterans, demonstrating the power of one person’s idea to make a significant difference.
Student Involvement and Fundraising Efforts
How do students participate in the Sticks for Soldiers initiative? The event organizers emphasize that this tournament is about more than just playing lacrosse. It’s an opportunity for young athletes to express gratitude and provide tangible support to military heroes.
Students are actively involved in various aspects of the event:
- Fundraising for team registration fees, often exceeding the required amount
- Volunteering time and energy in event preparation
- Contacting college lacrosse programs to secure donations for the silent auction
- Assisting with decorations, field setup, and breakdown
This hands-on involvement fosters a deep understanding of the cause among the participants. Many students, especially those attending their second, third, or fourth “Sticks” tournament, develop a profound appreciation for the event’s purpose and the veterans it supports.
Expanding Impact: Beyond the Tournament
How has the influence of Sticks for Soldiers spread beyond the main event? The initiative has inspired other schools to take action. For instance, Staples High School boys’ lacrosse team has been hosting their own in-season Sticks for Soldiers game for nine years, contributing to their overall fundraising goals.
This ripple effect demonstrates the strong connection that has been forged across the Connecticut lacrosse community. Other programs throughout the state have expressed interest in hosting similar events, indicating a growing awareness and commitment to the cause.
The Role of Mentorship and Community Support
Who provides guidance and support for the Sticks for Soldiers initiative? The organization benefits from the continued involvement of many parents from the tournament’s early years who still reside in Fairfield. Key figures such as Mike Voucas, Jim Tommins, and Chris Parisi offer their expertise and support, ensuring the event’s continued success and growth.
This mentorship and community backing are crucial in maintaining the event’s momentum and expanding its reach year after year. The involvement of these experienced individuals helps to preserve the original vision while adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
The Significance of Timing: A Thanksgiving Tradition
Why is the Sticks for Soldiers tournament held during the Thanksgiving weekend? This timing is deliberate and symbolic. Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude, making it the perfect backdrop for an event that honors those who have sacrificed for their country.
The tournament serves as a poignant reminder of the true spirit of thankfulness. It encourages participants and spectators alike to consider the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, especially during a holiday season that emphasizes family and togetherness.
By holding the event on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Sticks for Soldiers creates a new tradition that blends the joy of sport with the solemnity of remembrance and gratitude.
The Impact on Veterans: More Than Just Financial Support
How does the Sticks for Soldiers initiative affect the honored veterans beyond financial assistance? While the fundraising aspect is crucial, the emotional and psychological impact of the event on the honored veterans is equally significant.
The recognition and support from young athletes and the community at large can be incredibly meaningful for veterans who have experienced severe injuries and life-altering circumstances. It provides a sense of appreciation, acknowledgment, and connection that goes beyond monetary value.
For many veterans, being honored at the Sticks for Soldiers event offers:
- A platform to share their stories
- An opportunity to connect with grateful civilians
- A reminder that their sacrifices are recognized and valued
- A chance to inspire and educate younger generations about military service
This holistic approach to support helps in the overall recovery and reintegration process for many wounded veterans.
The Noon Ceremony: A Powerful Moment of Connection
What makes the noon ceremony on the day of the tournament so impactful? This ceremony is often described as the heart of the event, where the true purpose of Sticks for Soldiers becomes crystal clear to all attendees.
During this ceremony:
- The honored veteran is introduced to the crowd
- Their story of service and sacrifice is shared
- Athletes, spectators, and community members come together in a moment of unified gratitude
- The connection between the lacrosse community and military service is solidified
For many participants, especially those attending for the second or third time, this ceremony drives home the importance of the event and the real-world impact of their fundraising efforts.
Educational Aspects: Bridging the Civilian-Military Divide
How does Sticks for Soldiers contribute to educating young people about military service? The event serves as a powerful educational tool, helping to bridge the often-wide gap between civilian and military experiences, especially for younger generations.
Through their involvement in Sticks for Soldiers, students gain:
- A deeper understanding of the realities of military service
- Awareness of the challenges faced by wounded veterans
- Appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and their families
- Insight into the ongoing needs of veterans after their return from active duty
This educational aspect is particularly crucial in a time when a small percentage of the population serves in the military, potentially leading to a disconnect between civilian life and military service.
Long-Term Impact on Participants
What lasting effects does participation in Sticks for Soldiers have on the students involved? Many former participants report that their involvement in the tournament has had a profound and lasting impact on their lives:
- Increased awareness of veterans’ issues
- Greater appreciation for military service
- Inspiration to continue supporting veterans’ causes in adulthood
- Development of leadership and organizational skills through fundraising efforts
Some participants have even been inspired to pursue military service or careers in veterans’ support services as a result of their experiences with Sticks for Soldiers.
Community Engagement and Support
How does the broader community contribute to the success of Sticks for Soldiers? The event’s impact extends far beyond the lacrosse field, engaging various segments of the community:
- Local businesses often sponsor teams or donate items for the silent auction
- Community members volunteer their time and resources to support the event
- Schools and educational institutions provide venues and support
- Local media helps spread awareness about the tournament and its cause
This wide-ranging community involvement not only ensures the event’s success but also helps to spread the message of support for veterans throughout the region.
The Role of College Lacrosse Programs
How do college lacrosse programs contribute to Sticks for Soldiers? Many college teams play a significant role in supporting the event:
- Donating team gear and memorabilia for the silent auction
- Providing signed items from championship teams
- Offering mentorship or appearances by college players
- Creating a connection between high school players and collegiate-level lacrosse
This involvement not only enhances the event’s appeal but also demonstrates the lacrosse community’s commitment to supporting veterans at all levels of the sport.
Challenges and Future Directions
What challenges does Sticks for Soldiers face, and how is it evolving to meet future needs? Like many organizations, Sticks for Soldiers must navigate various challenges:
- Maintaining momentum and engagement year after year
- Adapting to changing demographics and interests of high school students
- Expanding reach while maintaining the personal connection with honorees
- Balancing the competitive aspect of the tournament with its charitable mission
To address these challenges and continue growing, Sticks for Soldiers is exploring several strategies:
- Incorporating technology to enhance fundraising and awareness efforts
- Expanding to include more diverse sports and activities
- Developing year-round programs to maintain engagement
- Collaborating with other veterans’ organizations for greater impact
By continually evolving and adapting, Sticks for Soldiers aims to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in supporting wounded veterans for years to come.
The Potential for National Expansion
Could Sticks for Soldiers expand to become a national event? While currently focused primarily in Connecticut, there is potential for broader expansion:
- Establishing satellite tournaments in other states
- Creating a network of affiliated events across the country
- Developing a national framework while maintaining local connections
- Leveraging technology to connect participants across different regions
Such expansion could significantly increase the impact of Sticks for Soldiers, allowing it to support more veterans and raise awareness on a national scale.
Take 5 with Bob at Sticks for Soldiers — In A Fairfield Minute
Written By Paola Benedetto
Bob Vitale, President of the Board at Sticks 4 Soldiers, shares the passion that drives his mission, and invites us all to join in on November 27th at the 15th Annual Sticks 4 Soldiers Thanksgiving Lacrosse Classic!
IAFM: What inspired Sticks for Soldiers? What is your mission?
BV: To be blunt, it was the disconnect between us here at home and those men and women serving in our military overseas post 9/11. In this case Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2006 a group of Ludlowe High School boys lacrosse dads that included Mike Voucas, Jim Tommins, Mike Baldwin along with Coach Chris Parisi set out to build a stronger connection between the boys on the team with the men and women serving in combat.
The idea was to raise awareness for the sacrifices being made by young Americans in foreign wars. Soldiers quite often only a couple of years older than the Ludlowe athletes. The mission had two parts 1) raising awareness, and 2) raising much needed funds for severely wounded soldiers coming home from these wars. And Sticks for Soldiers was born. It began with a tournament of four or six area lacrosse teams, and has grown to as many as 60 boys and girls high school lacrosse programs from across the state (and at least one program from Massachusetts that I know of). During the first four years the money raised from the annual tournament was donated to Wounded Warrior Project. Beginning in 2010, Sticks for Soldiers started naming an honoree as the beneficiary of the events fundraising. The honoree has always been a post 9/11 severely wounded combat veteran, most often living here in CT, although there have been several from outside of New England. I think this move alone, to name an honoree, had the most impact in terms of connecting the high school athletes to the sacrifices being made by those serving in our combat forces.
And could there be a better time of year to raise awareness and give thanks than Thanksgiving? The tournament is played on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. We like to leave people with this thought when promoting the event, “This Thanksgiving, please help us give thanks. To men and women who changed their lives to protect ours.” To date Sticks for Soldiers has honored and supported 20 honorees. One person can make a difference, thank you Mike Voucas.
All pictures provided by Bob Vitale.
IAFM: How are the students involved?
BV: Those of us who have been involved with Sticks for Soldiers are known to remind the players (and their parents) that this event isn’t about playing lacrosse. It’s about thanking and helping these heroes who served our country with honor, pride and an unwavering commitment to the men and women standing next to them on the battlefield.
Attend the noon ceremony on the 27th, and this will become abundantly clear. The athletes participating in their second, third, or fourth “Sticks” tournament get it, and they tell you so. Always driven by strengthening the connection between these young athletes and the wounded veterans, we aim to keep the bulk of the fundraising efforts in the hands of the students. The players do their own fundraising to come up with their team fee for the tournament, many far exceeding the team’s registration fee. We see the pride these players have when it comes to their individual and team fundraising efforts. They understand where the money is going, who they are helping, and why the help is needed. As the host lacrosse program, the Ludlowe boys team volunteers their time and energy in preparation for the days events. They also spearhead the effort in contacting college lacrosse programs in hopes of securing team gear and “swag” for the silent auction. And they do well, I can recall a Duke Lacrosse helmet signed by the national champion team making its way to the silent auction several years ago.
Other teams have donated their time as well, helping with decoration, field setup and breakdown. Staples High School boys lacrosse has held their own in-season Sticks for Soldiers game as part of their overall fundraising goals. 2020 marked their 9th year of hosting such a game. Other programs across the state have expressed an interest in hosting similar games, a testament to the connection that’s been made across the CT lacrosse community.
IAFM: Who do you look to for advice or mentorship?
BV: We’re very lucky to have many parents from the “early” years of the tournament living here in Fairfield and actively supporting our efforts. Mike Voucas, Jim Tommins, and Chris Parisi have never stopped being involved in the event best I can tell. In fact, the Board created an Advisory Team this year just so we can keep them on a short leash. But seriously, these “founders,” plus several other longtime volunteers, provide a wealth of knowledge surrounding the event.
From what it takes to put it on, to why it exists in the first place. We lost a dear friend and Board President over the summer with the untimely death of Jeff Casucci. It was a shock to us all and a great loss for the organization. As a West Point graduate himself, Jeff brought a military perspective that most of us simply don’t posses. And believe me, it’s helpful. We plan to bring someone with military experience to our advisory team as well; I think it’s important to have that perspective when looking for advice that supports our mission.
IAFM: What is your favorite memory from one of 14 Thanksgiving Lacrosse Classics to date?
BV: There are many, from watching the impact the event had on my two boys who went through the Ludlowe lacrosse program, to the untold volunteer hours my wife Cindy and I have (cheerfully) committed to the cause beginning in 2010. But the one that sticks out the most goes back to 2018, when I joined Jeff Casucci in awarding the checks to our two honorees from that year.
The overwhelming emotion that washed over me simply from doing good. It was powerful, and maybe a bit unexpected. The two honorees had smiles ear to ear – I was just trying to hold myself together.
IAFM: What do you look forward to in this year’s 15th Annual Thanksgiving Lacrosse Classic? Give us the event details so we can join you!
BV: As the current President of the Board, like those before me, I want the day to be sunny, temps in the 50’s, smiles, no injuries, absolutely no fights, a decent cup of coffee, no arguments with the ref’s (who donate their time BTW), AND silence during the noon ceremony where we reflect on the sacrifices the honorees standing beside us made serving our country. Sacrifices that most of us can’t begin to comprehend.
Come join us. Say thank you. And let the emotion of standing in the presence of heroes wash over you.
The 15th Annual Sticks for Soldiers Thanksgiving Lacrosse Classic
Saturday, November 27, 2021
Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Games begin at 9:00, Ceremony at noon
Sticks for Soldiers, Inc.
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, and 100% volunteer run and operated. There are no paid directors or advisors, and all proceeds from fundraising go directly to our honorees.
Paola Benedetto
‘Street Smart’ sticks to Soldiers > Joint Base Langley-Eustis > Article Display
FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
This past Veterans Day, many families remembered those veterans who paid the ultimate price for freedom. Some even laid flowers near gravestones, grieving for a Service member close to them.
According to the Department of the Army, more than 80 Soldiers who died last year might still be here today if only they had given up their keys after a few drinks, or even just wore a seatbelt.
For Soldiers at Fort Eustis, a paramedic team from Miami showed them what happens in an automobile accident Nov. 7 inside Jacobs Theater, and why they should think twice about their safety — and the safety of others — when they get behind the wheel.
Those paramedics are members of “Street Smart,” a program designed to show drivers and young adults the dangers of irresponsible driving through a series of graphic presentations and demonstrations, ranging from real-life accident photos to an interactive demonstration of what happens to a surviving car-accident victim.
“Most Service members have been briefed on safe driving more times than they can count,” said Bob Longworth, 633rd Air Base Wing safety chief. “The ‘Street Smart’ paramedics don’t give them that same generic brief. They show them what happens in an accident before they learn firsthand.”
Ralph Jimenez and Oscar Duran, both Dade County, Fla. paramedics, presented audience members numerous graphic photos of car-accident victims. After each set of photos, they explained how the deaths occurred, dispelling myths about the ineffectiveness of seatbelts for the driver and passengers and emphasizing the science behind a car crash.
“Most people don’t really understand the ‘deadly equation,'” said Jimenez.
“If you’re driving at 45 miles per hour, everything in the car is going 45 miles per hour. So when you come to a complete and immediate stop, your body flies against the steering wheel, windshield and everything else at that speed. Without a seatbelt, you are 22 times more likely to die in that crash. It is that simple.”
The team brought one audience member to the stage and reenacted a step-by-step scenario of what paramedics do upon arrival at a near-fatal traffic accident.
“We put our volunteer through the paces,” said Duran. “We show them the long needles, tubes and other equipment and methods we use to ensure a car crash survivor does just that; survives.”
U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Russell Merchant, 1st Battalion, 222nd Aviation Regiment operations sergeant major, explained the value of the presentation.
“The presentation did a great job of reaching our Soldiers,” said Merchant. “When [the volunteer Soldier] went on stage, they went through a very plausible scenario involving a returning-home party many Soldiers have experienced.
“
Merchant also said the presentation’s attention to detail added to the effect on the audience.
“They let the audience know what would be happening moment to moment,” said Merchant. “They explained how the victim would feel everything since they can’t use pain medication, and demonstrated what would happen if the victim’s airway collapsed.”
Jimenez and Duran hope to educate their audiences with their experiences, but want to do more than just that, especially when they present to Service members.
“When we visit our Service members, the presentation really takes on a whole new meaning for us,” said Jimenez. “We appreciate their service, and if nothing else we hope this presentation will keep them safe so we may continue to honor their sacrifices and they can continue to protect our freedom.”
“Armature, telescopic poles with a ball at the end”. Torture in the Russian occupation and rescue
“Armature, telescopic sticks with a ball at the end”.
Russian Occupation Torture and Rescue – BBC News Russian ServiceBBC News, Russian Service
. Torture in the Russian occupation and rescue
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Ukrainian soldier Mikhailo survived after a Russian officer did not kill him in captivity, and Yekaterina hid him for five months in her house near Izyum.
France Télévision journalists learned the details of the story from Ekaterina and Mikhailo. The 73-year-old woman found the soldier in her garden, barely breathing. And she decided to save him.
Izyum was occupied by the Russian army on April 1, liberated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on September 11. Unmarked graves were found in the forests around Izyum, many of the bodies with signs of torture and their hands tied. Russia called the evidence from Izyum a provocation.
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How and where PMC “Wagner” buries the dead prisoners, Duration 6.39Instead of weapons – stones and sticks with nails. What are the roots of the conflict on the India-China border
After Indian and Chinese border guards engaged in hand-to-hand combat in Eastern Ladakh, during which, according to sources in the Indian ground forces, 20 people were killed and more than 70 were injured, the whole world is trying to understand why the soldiers of the two nuclear powers began to fight each other. friend in the deserted mountains, and even armed with stones and sticks with nails. Political observers at the same time mastered the phrase “McMahon’s line.”
Indian security forces in Ladakh
© Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Indeed, speaking about the border problem of modern India and China, one cannot help but recall the name of the representative of the old MacMahon family, Sir Vincent Arthur Henry MacMahon, who died back in 1949.
It all started in 1913, when representatives of Great Britain, China and Tibet met in the “summer capital” of British India, Shimla (then on Russian maps this city was designated as Simla), to discuss the status of the latter. An important question was where to draw the border between China and Tibet, and also between Inner Tibet (which was ruled by the Dalai Lama) and Outer Tibet. The British side was represented by Sir McMahon.
First, in April 1914, the first version of the map was signed. Then the talks stalled, and the Chinese plenipotentiary left the meeting. But McMahon continued to negotiate with the Tibetans, and as a result, another card appeared. The same “McMahon Line” was drawn along it, and in July the Simla Convention was signed between the Tibetans and the British, which determined the boundaries of British India in the Eastern Himalayas.
In a word, British India signed this treaty, Tibet (whose status was then in dispute) signed it, but China did not sign it.
Moreover, the line itself was drawn in the course of an exchange of secret notes between McMahon and the Tibetan plenipotentiary Longchen Shatra. The Chinese plenipotentiary was not aware at all. And the British themselves did not announce this agreement for a long time – until the middle of 1930s. The main reason for the silence: the British were afraid of the reaction to the agreement of another participant in the “great game” in Asia – Russia.
London at the beginning of the century suffered from the obsession that tsarist Russia, which was expanding in Central Asia in the 19th century, would seize Tibet.
In a word, London announced the border agreement with Tibet only in the 1930s. When there was no tsarist Russia. But today there is no longer British India, and China is completely different. But the problem remained.
Why Galvan?
Thanks to the Simla Convention, India received a number of territories, including the Principality of Ladakh. But the Chinese authorities did not recognize the British official’s name line as valid.
And not only Chinese. As soon as India gained independence in 1947, the authorities of Tibet (which was not yet part of the PRC) demanded that New Delhi return lands from Ladakh to Assam, including the famous Darjeeling, where the most famous Indian tea grows.
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The pass of discord: will the conflict between India and China develop
But soon, in 1951, the People’s Liberation Army of China entered Lhasa, Tibet became part of the PRC. And India was now exchanging borders with Beijing, which was not ready to accept any border agreements signed by the former Tibetan authorities. Including the agreement on the McMahon line.
Neither side was ready to make concessions. As a result, in 1962, the case ended in a full-scale armed clash. Beijing is still making claims for 3.5 thousand square meters. km of the Indian border state of Arunachal Pradesh. New Delhi, in turn, believes that China “illegally occupies” more than 43 thousand square meters. km of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
And now, on the border of India and China, clashes between the military again and again victims.
“The most surprising thing for me was the fact that the clashes took place in the area of the Galvan River. This is a mountain river that flows along the ridge and flows into the Shayok River. Previously, this area was not a problem,” Pandey Prakash, an independent political observer, told TASS.
“Perhaps this is a response to India’s decisive actions in Kashmir,” he adds.
Indian checkpoint along the highway to Ladakh
© EPA-EFE/FAROOQ KHAN
Recall that in August last year, New Delhi decided to abolish the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir and create in its place two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Then this caused a sharply negative reaction from Pakistan, which claims the territory of Kashmir, which since 1947 has been divided into Indian and Pakistani parts.
But Beijing was also dissatisfied, because it considered unacceptable the violation of the status quo in this disputed area unilaterally./stickers-soldiers-warriors-and-heroes-full-sized-hand-drawings.jpg.jpg)
China then even initiated a meeting on the situation in Kashmir in the UN Security Council. However, India does not intend to change the decision – according to the Indian authorities, the division of Kashmir will help normalize the situation in this troubled region, where the fight against Islamist militants who advocate secession from India does not stop.
What will be the answer?
Both India and China, meanwhile, believe that the clashes were caused by the actions of the other side. India has said Chinese troops are obstructing normal patrols along the Line of Actual Control separating the two countries in Ladakh and Sikkim. Beijing, in turn, claims that the escalation of tension between the military of the two countries is caused by the invasion of Indian soldiers into Chinese territory.
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India and China withdrew troops from the disputed region, but did not forget the differences
“Perhaps, some unforeseen event was the reason. Let me remind you that the parties agreed to resolve border problems peacefully.
At present, negotiations were underway, several meetings have already taken place between representatives of the military command of the two countries,” a well-known Indian political scientist, honorary Research Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (New Delhi) Nandan Unnikrishnan.
He believes that the main question is not why it happened in Ladakh, but why it happened now.
“India has few opportunities to respond – no one wants war at the moment, so India will have to look for other ways to respond. For example, get closer in the Pacific region with the USA, Australia, Japan – this group is sometimes seen as an anti-Chinese alliance,” — the political scientist says.
He notes that another problem is that inside India, the opposition, various political forces will begin to accuse the Modi cabinet of weakness. “There is no doubt that there will be forces that will begin to demand that China give a “worthy” response. They will demand that they take a tougher stance,” Unnikrishnan said.
Indian protesters at a rally in Kolkata, June 18, 2020
© Samir Jana/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
The latest clashes took place between border guards without the use of firearms. There is an agreement on this between the parties – in the event of skirmishes, do not open fire, but try to keep the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.
In recent years, this has been the case. In the summer of 2017, a 73-day confrontation took place between the military of the two countries, accompanied by skirmishes on the Doklam Plateau (Dokalam, Dunlan – a region at the junction of the borders of Bhutan, the Indian state of Sikkim and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China). In September 2019For about a year, the military of the two countries stood opposite each other in a chain in the area of \u200b\u200bLake Pangong Tso in the same Ladakh for about a day, so as not to let each other through. Firearms were not used in these cases: the military fought with fists, threw stones.
