USL Hartford Athletic

Hartford Athletic and Connecticut Veterans Affairs Military & Veterans Appreciation Night - May 28th

May 27, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


HARTFORD, Conn. - The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs and Hartford Athletic will host the first annual Military and Veterans Appreciation night honoring Goldstar families and Women Veterans at the match on Saturday May 28th at 7:00pm at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford. "Goldstar Families are those who have lost an immediate family member in service to our Nation. This event will honor all Connecticut Goldstar families for their sacrifice and honor the memories of their fallen loved ones while we also recognize the service of Connecticut Women Veterans," said Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi, who also serves as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

"We are so grateful to all active duty and veteran service members for their service and sacrifice, and it is an honor to collaborate with Commissioner Saadi and the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs on Military & Veterans Appreciation Night," said Joe Calafiore, Hartford Athletic SVP, Marketing & Strategy. "We are proud to host meaningful recognitions for both Goldstar Families and Women Veterans as we reflect and give thanks in observance of Memorial Day."

During the opening ceremony Connecticut Goldstar Families President Helen Keiser-Pedersen will present the official match ball in honor of all Connecticut Goldstar families followed by the presentation of the colors and singing of the National Anthem by soldiers of the Connecticut National Guard. Ms. Keiser Pedersen is the mother of U.S. Army Captain Andrew Michael Pedersen-Keel, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on March 11, 2013.

A Halftime ceremony will recognize Connecticut Women Veterans for their service to our Nation with seven women Veterans, selected based on their military service and for their continued service and advocacy for Veterans, Servicemembers and their families, being honored at Center field. Each honoree will receive certificates of recognition from Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Saadi along with gifts of appreciation from the Hartford Athletic Organization.

The Women Veterans being honored are:

Madelon Baranowski of Meriden - Captain, U.S. Army

Mary Nanette Harris of Naugatuck - Private First Class, U.S. Army.

Tabitha Potok of New Milford - Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force

Jennifer Rector of Ledyard - Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force

Mirca Reyes of Groton - Boatswain Mate 2nd Class, U. S. Navy

Linda Schwartz of North Stonington - Colonel, U.S. Air Force & former Commissioner of Veterans Affairs

Juliet Taylor of Bridgeport - Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

A portion of event proceeds will be donated to the CT Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Outreach Programs including the Annual Veterans Stand Down and Annual Goldstar Luncheon.

Check out the Hartford Athletic Statistics



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