It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the Texas Bombers’ mission to honor those Fallen Soldiers who have been killed in battle. Part of how the organization does this is by having certain players wear a game jersey featuring the name of a soldier killed in action.

One Bomber standout, pitcher Brooke Vestal—one of the top 2018 players in the nation—is taking this a step further and raising money for veterans based on how many strikeouts she gets this year.

I was greatly impressed and touched in early January at the Bomber’s banquet where John and Jean Spitzer–parents of Marine Sargeant Thomas Spitzer who was killed in action last June–met Brooke who will be wearing a Bombers’ jersey this summer with Sgt. Spitzer’s name on it.

A deep friendship was formed and the Spitzers and several Marine friends of their son have been to Brooke’s high school games this month to cheer her on as she pitches.

Poignantly, Thomas Spitzer was a football letterman at Canyon High in New Braunfels, Texas—the high school Brooke attends—and no matter what the weather, be it cold and/or rainy, the Spitzers are in the stands with Jean frequently wearing her son’s letterman jacket.

Below is Brooke’s introduction to her “Spitzer Strikeouts” program… we at Full Count Softball strongly encourage everyone to cheer on Brooke and her fundraising efforts and, if possible, to make a donation to her great cause that will raise money in memory of Sgt. Spitzer.

— Brentt Eads, Full Count Softball

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Read more about the Fallen Soldier program here:

Video: Thomas Spitzer Honored by Bombers (1/10)

Texas Bombers’ banquet: saluting Sgt. Spitzer (1/6)

#1 Story of 2014: saluting Sgt. Spitzer (1/8)

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The following text is by Brooke Vestal explaining her efforts to raise money for veterans who need it…

My goal today is to raise awareness for the soldiers and families who have lost loved ones or had their lives changed in the name of American values and freedom.

It is no secret that men and women across our country are making sacrifices every day to guarantee the lives we enjoy. We should all respect that sacrifice.

I am a proud member of the Texas Bombers who support these families through our KIA (“Killed In Action”) program. I wear a jersey bearing the name of SGT. THOMAS Z SPITZER, USMC when I take the field.

He gave his life for our country and it hits home with me because we are both Canyon High School Cougars.

My involvement in this program has drawn me close to his family. His parents have taken an interest in my softball, and they yell the loudest for me at every game.

Often times they are joined with fellow USMC heroes who sit on the front row.

Jean and John Spitzer come to every one of my games, often wearing their son’s letter jacket (#40) in support. It flatters me to think that my play brings them some degree of fulfillment.

As part of my respect to this family, I have started a fund raising effort to get money directly to the veterans who need it. The money I am able to raise will join what the Spitzers are already doing in SGT. SPITZER’S name.

My thought is to solicit financial pledges based on my strikeout total. This money will all go to veterans who need a prosthetic leg or other modifications to allow them to live a somewhat normal life.

The information below outlines my plan.

This is not a school project, but a way for softball to show respect to those who keep the fields open. Every dollar goes to veteran who can use it.

Let’s play hard on the dirt, but not forget what goes into our being able to do it!

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SUPPORT OUR VETERANS THROUGH THE “SPITZER STRIKEOUTS” PLAN!

I am trying to support returning soldiers and their families.

My thought is to raise money based on the number of strikeouts I can throw this year.

I will be pitching for Canyon High School in the spring and the Texas Bombers Gold Team during our summer tournament season. My personal goal is to get 400 strike outs this year. It won’t be easy.

I am asking you to pledge a bit for each strike out I throw this year. Ten cents each will add up to a $40 donation if I hit my goal. Of course, there is no limit to what you can offer. I have some $1.00 sponsors and room for more.

I hope to throw some strikes and I will keep you posted along the way so you can follow our progress.

The are two ways you can support this great cause:

1. Pledge per Strikeout
   Email your pledge amount to: spitzerstrikeouts@gmail.com. At the end of the year, once I have my final strikeout total, you will be contacted with the info on how much your total comes to and instructed on how to make your payment.
2. One-Time Donation
   If you would like to make a direct donation in behalf of Sgt. Spitzer, you can make a donation at: SemperFiFund.org. As you fill out the form, you’ll be asked what you’re donating for—it’s for “SpitzerStrikeouts” and in behalf of “Thomas Spitzer.”

Thanks for what you can do… either way, let’s not forget those who gave it all!

— Brooke