30 Day Baseball Card Challenge

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Domo Arigato: U.S. Military Veterans

Thank you to all past and present military personnel who have served our country. You're bravery and dedication to protect America is much appreciated.

I've been looking forward to honoring the following cardboard heroes who served in the United States military:


Joe Louis enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII. He played a major role in the effort to recruit African-American men into the military. Mr. Louis also fought several charity bouts to raise money for the war.



Roger Staubach was a supply officer for the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.



Ted Williams served as a Naval Pilot during World War II (missed the 1943, 1944, and 1945 MLB seasons) and the Korean War (only played in 8 games in 1952, because of his military service).

Christy Mathewson enlisted in the United States Army at the end of World War I. During a training exercise, he accidentally inhaled poison mustard gas, which led to him contracting tuberculosis. Two years later, he passed away from complications from the disease.

Hank Greenberg served in the United States Army during World War II.



Yogi Berra was in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served as a Gunner's Mate in the D-Day invasion.

Bob Feller missed four season, because he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served as a Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama.



Tim James enlisted in the U.S. Army several years after his basketball career was over. As of 2009, he was serving his country in Iraq.

It's amazing how many professional athletes have served our country. If you're interested in reading about more of them... here are a few links I found:



Today's question of the day is... Have you served in the military? or Are you serving in the military right now?

I'll be honest... while some of my buddies were excited about joining the Army and Navy, I was busy figuring out what I wanted to do with my life... something that didn't involve physical labor. Please don't take this the wrong way... I love being an American. And if needed, I'd proudly serve my time.

However... some people were born to play football... some were born to be horse jockeys... some to be fire fighters.... some to be soldiers... Me? I was born to eat, sleep, teach, and collect cards.

Thanks again to all who have served (or are serving) our country. Happy Veterans Day!


2 comments:

Martyn said...

Yeah, I've never fought for queen and country, (it's hard when you believe in republics).
That aside I always wear a poppy & stand for the star spangled banner.

Just a piece on Joe Louis, the Taxman & government stung him,
Instead of fighting it was deemed he'd be better boosting morale & raising money, however he recieved personal cheques which he signed over to the said charity however the IRS claimed he had been paid & not paid taxes.
So that's why he had to fight Marciano, who apparently cried after beating Louis as he was his #1 fan.

Fuji said...

Wow... thanks for the info. I knew about Lewis and the government... but didn't know about Marciano crying after beating Louis.