Eight-Year-Old Hosts Ceremony to Honor Service Members

Last year, hundreds of people from the Mohawk Valley gathered to watch a friendly softball game between local first-responders and the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST). The veterans played in order to educate and inspire the crowd that they were still capable of this kind of athletic ability and show how beneficial physical therapy can be.

Owen Jassak, an eight-year-old from New Hartford, realizes the importance of these individuals and has put forth quite the effort to make sure they get the recognition he believes they deserve. Jassak has been raising money for veterans and has raised over $15,000 since he was four years old. He has met many veterans who have benefited from the Sitrin’s Military Rehabilitation Program and wants to do everything he can to help them. To accomplish this, Jassak has launched several fundraisers with the goal of raising $10,000. Jassak also wished to see the WWAST back in Utica in 2017 to help raise more awareness.

On Sunday, June 12th, 2016, at noon, Jassak will be honoring veterans and current service members with a flag ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial Park in New York Mills. Nearly 850 flags will be placed throughout the park that were sponsored by individuals, businesses, and organizations. Each flag has the name of a past or present service member.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support Sitrin’s Stars and Stripes Run~Walk, the primary fundraiser for Sitrin’s Military Rehabilitation Program, and the WWAST.

Jassak will also be receiving a special surprise during the ceremony.  Joseph White, deputy program manager, Dyncorp, and Ret. Chief Warrant Officer 2, US Army will be honoring him with two challenge coins and an American flag from the Resolute Support mission that were shipped from Afghanistan.

*Story Written and Submitted by Big Frog 104 Intern Dan Curtacci*

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