SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Get Ready for Veteran's Day Celebration

Published on November 4, 2003 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.—The Memphis RiverKings and A Troop, 98th Cavalry National Guard unit are teaming up to show their patriotic spirit this Veteran's Day, Nov. 11.

The 98th Cavalry and their Family Readiness Unit support group will arrive at 5:30 p.m. in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and HUMVEES as part of the fanfare. Children and families can get an up-close and personal look at the M2/M3 Bradley (used in Iraq during Desert Storm), a HEMITT (an 8-wheeled cargo vehicle) and sit at the wheel of a HUMVEE. The troop will present a color guard during the singing of the national anthem. A Troop 98th Cavalry is also selling tickets to the game as a fundraiser and will keep a portion of the proceeds.

To honor those who serve and have served in the military, the RiverKings will have a special ticket offer. All active and retired military personnel will receive free admission to the Nov. 11 game upon presentation of their military ID at the DeSoto Civic Center Box Office.

The Family Readiness Unit serves as a liaison between the troop and the community, especially when the soldiers are deployed.

"The Family Readiness Unit consists of the spouses of soldiers and anyone else who wants to participate," said 1st Lt. Gary E. Ford. "I think the best function of a Family Readiness Unit is that they have regular meetings. Especially when soldiers are deployed for a long time overseas, it serves as a support group for people who have something in common. It really gives the spouses the emotional support they need."

The Family Readiness Unit also serves a point of communication in between civilians and their loved ones on the battlefield. The group can arrange teleconferences and often provides calling cards to families.

"The group also boosts morale, because the soldier knows that everything back home is being taken care of," Ford said. "If there are problems with anything—like a soldier's check doesn't come through, for instance—the soldier will generally be the last to know and will not have the resources to resolve the issue. However, the Family Readiness Unit will take care of it."

Ford said that the Family Readiness Unit is for more than just people related to soldiers.

"Anybody in the community that wants to participate can do so," Ford said. "We have cookouts and get-togethers and meetings in peacetime also. We encourage anyone who wants to come on out and join us."

To buy tickets from the 98th Cavalry's Family Readiness Unit, call (662) 429-6333. For more information about the group, visit the Web at www.leadfromthefront.com.

All 64 RiverKings games can be heard on Easy 680 AM, as well as worldwide via SportsJuice.com. Select RiverKings games will also be available through CHL TV, a league-wide video streaming enterprise. Information on the RiverKings, including the latest roster moves, press releases, and pictures, is available at www.riverkings.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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