Ford Auto Dealers, Dragons Team up to Honor Local Veteran
July 28, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release
DAYTON, Ohio - Dayton Area Ford Dealers and the Dayton Dragons will host Steven Wyke, United States Army Special Forces, during the Ford Honor Them program on Sunday, July 31 at 2:07 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Field. Wyke will be the fifth and final honoree of the unique program in 2016.
The Ford Honor Them program provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to their country. Each honoree has their story shared in front of the crowd at Fifth Third Field, followed by a standing ovation in appreciation of the veteran's hard work and dedication both in military and civilian accomplishments.
Steven's Story Coming from a large family of nine brothers and sisters, times were not easy for Steven Wyke as a young boy. His family struggled financially and moved frequently while being very active with the Salvation Army. That's why in September 1961, Steven's mother agreed to sign for him to join the Army (he was just 17 at the time). The thought was that, by joining the Army, Steven would be able to help provide for his family. What he earned was much more than money, however.
Steven's military career centered mainly around the Vietnam War. His first tour of duty was in 1962. He was based in Okinawa, Japan as an Army Private on the missile defense crew. At this early point of his career, Steven made education a priority. He finished his high school GED and continued to take other courses through the Army. Because of this dedication to education, one of his senior officers encouraged Steven to apply for Officer Candidate School and start on a path to become an officer.
It didn't take Steven long to move through the ranks. His second tour sent him to Vietnam in 1964. While there, he was quickly promoted from Specialist to Sergeant. Once back stateside he reported to Officer Candidate School, graduating in 1966 as a Second Lieutenant, Infantry. He also attended and completed Airborne school before training to become an Army Special Forces Green Beret.
In 1967, Steven served his third tour of duty, this time in Germany. He served with the Special Forces Operational A-Team. Promotion to First Lieutenant was received during this tour. Steven then returned to Vietnam for another tour in 1968 as a Special Forces Officer and was promoted to Captain.
Unfortunately, in that final tour in the jungles of Vietnam, Steven contracted Agent Orange. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1973 after a 12-year Army career.
Steven was awarded many medals, ribbons, and awards during his military experience, but he is most proud of the Civic Action Honor Medal achieved for assisting in the Special Forces Civic Action Programs.
Today, Steven is 71 years old and lives with his wife, Patty, in Kettering. He says he loves giving people hope, which is why he spends his time volunteering in the community, playing guitar at many nursing homes, serving as an Interfaith Chaplain for a Youth Detention Center, serving those veterans impacted by PTSD, and much more.
Ford Auto Dealers and the Dayton Dragons applaud Steven and all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Please join us in thanking Steven for her service during the Dayton Dragons game on July 31st.
More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.
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