What happens when you put former Delta Force members, SEAL Team 6 operators, fighter jet pilots, and other veterans together in a baseball pitch? They have fun for a good cause.
The Celebrity Softball Classic, which will take place on June 12, is broken down into two softball celebrity games. The first game of the day will be a celebrity veteran coed game in which America’s finest veteran influencers, who have had impressive and inspiring military careers as well as amazing accomplishments in the civilian sector, will play. These veterans come from all services and represent the conventional, aviation, and special operations communities. After their service to the country, they have been successful as actors, musicians, authors, philanthropists, health and wellness experts, and much more.
Some big names in the veteran community, including former SEAL Team 6 operators Jeff Nichols and Craig “Sawman” Sawyer and former Marine John “Tig” Tiegen, who fought in 2012 in Benghazi during the attack on the U.S. consulate that was immortalized in the movie “13 Hours.”
The second game of the day will consist of a coed celebrity softball game that includes professional athletes, musicians, actors from film/television, and reality television.
Sandboxx News had the opportunity to talk with Shane Schreck, a former 101st Airborne Division soldier who served in Delta Force as a direct support troop, who was chosen to play in the games. Schreck spent more than 17 years in uniform and had to medically retire in 2015.
“This fun, family-friendly, celebrity-filled event of two amazing games is a must-attend event for the entire family! I pride myself on being the best ambassador I can possibly be when it comes to representing the Army,” Schreck told Sandboxx News.
“I was very honored and humbled to be selected as one of the veterans to participate in this event. I get to do two of my favorite things, play softball, and network with other successful veterans.”
But besides representing the Army and networking with other successful veterans, Schreck has another, bigger reason for participating in the game. He is playing for two charities, Folds of Honor and Vets 4 Child Rescue.
“Folds of Honor began with Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. An F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled,” Schreck recounted.
“As his flight landed, the pilot announced they carried the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board. Lt. Colonel Rooney watched as Corporal Bucklin’s twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son, Jacob. Since that night, LtCol Rooney has committed his life – through the Folds of Honor – to provide scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. Jacob Bucklin became the first Folds of Honor scholarship recipient in 2007.”
Vets 4 Child Rescue (V4CR), Schreck’s second charity, is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization founded by former Navy SEAL Team 6 operator Craig “Sawman” Sawyer. V4CR is dedicated to raising awareness about the epidemic of child trafficking and child rape in the United States. A true blight in our society, human trafficking is real and dangerous.
Schreck is having a successful transition, and has some tips and tricks for troops thinking of getting out or retiring and transitioning to civilian life.
“Just like when we serve, we all have that bond, that no matter what background we came from we all have one thing in common we raised our right hands. We represent such a small percentage of American Citizens, and throughout our military careers, we are faced with daily challenges and obstacles. We learn through the development of our training that we can effectively do just about whatever we put our minds to do,” he explains.
“Well, here is the good news that does not end when you hang up your boots. We still represent that very small percentage of American Citizens it is on us to shape the civilian sector through the experiences we had in the military. We are all Ambassadors of our respective services, it’s our time to shine and make as big of an impact in the civilian sector as we possibly can. So, when it is time to put our military service behind us, we just need to kick in the door of all the opportunities that will come our way.”
All in all, close to 200 veterans will participate. The games will take place at the Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas.
I had the pleasure to work with Shane at Fort Knox when he was selected by the Delta Command to be the Special Operations Branch NCOIC. Among his many accommodations he was awarded the Volunteer Service Medal for his efforts in raising money for multiple charities. It’s to no surprise he was selected to serve within a Tier 1 Unit, he’s very charismatic and cares a lot for his brothers and sisters in arms. Great job Shane! I can’t think of a better representative for the Special Operations Community.