The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team Meets the FCA Softball All-Stars for the 'God and Country' Classic

PLANT CITY, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is proud to salute the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) as they bring their inspiring spirit and special athletic skills to the International Softball Federation World Headquarters in Plant City, Florida on 13 & 14 January 2012. Over the course of two days, they will compete in 3 games at the Plant City Softball Stadium against the FCA Softball All-Stars, a team composed of some of the nation's finest softball players, many of whom have represented the USA in Olympic competition.

The weekend will consist of exhibition games and special events including a Homerun Derby, special autograph sessions, and a banquet dinner and silent auction on Saturday night at the Heritage Baptist Church in Lakewood. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) All-Star team will consist of a roster of both male and female professional players including two-time Olympic gold medalist Dot Richardson, two-time Olympian and gold medalist Jennie Finch, three-time Olympic gold medalist Leah Amico, and Men's National Slow-pitch Softball team and member of Slow-pitch Hall of Fame. Johnny McCraw, just to name of few.

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) represents some of our nation's bravest and most determined heroes, soldiers, and veterans. The mission of the WWAST is to raise awareness, through exhibition and celebrity softball games, of the sacrifices and resilience of our military, and highlight their ability to rise above any challenge. The goal is to show other amputees and the general population, that these athletes through extensive rehabilitation and training are able to express their desires and perform the sport they loved. The WWAST is comprised of young, competitive, athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs post-9/11, while serving their country in the military/war. The team includes individuals with a variety of amputations of the arm, above knee, below knee, bilateral below knee, and foot. Some are still in the service, others are attending college thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill while others have moved on to new careers. WWAST athletes are examples of amputees who continue to push the limits of modern prosthetic technology with more and more applications. According to Bob Pinto, FCA National Softball Director, “We are honored to be able to set up this weekend's many events with these special men. It will be a great opportunity to see some fun softball, meet the players, and most of all get our message and the message of the WWAST to many people.”

The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.