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Date: 9/17/2015
WESTFIELD – Two hockey teams have come together to honor a local hero. The Falcons Charity Hockey Club and the Cocchi Sheriff Charity Hockey Team have banded together to host Honoring a True Hero, a game in memory of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan.
Sullivan, who grew up in Springfield, was one of four Marines killed in an attack in Chattanooga, TN on July 17. Sullivan was an Iraq veteran and a two-time Purple Heart recipient.
General Manager and captain of the Falcons Charity Hockey Club Dave Wezniak told Reminder Publications though he did not know Sullivan personally, he and his team wanted to help keep his memory alive.
“I served in the Marines. I’d do anything to help out a fellow Marine, and this was one of those things that hit really close to home,” he said.
He brought the idea of a game to the Sullivan family, and they were “all about it,” Wezniak said.
“They really want to keep his name alive, and when I approached them, they said they were all for it,” Wezniak said.
The proceeds from the game will benefit the GySgt. Thomas Sullivan Scholarship Fund, which will be awarded to a Cathedral High School – and eventually, Pope Francis High School – student who “shows high moral character and involvement in community service,” according to the Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant Facebook page.
The game will include raffles and a chance to win prices, as well a ceremonial puck drop with specially made pucks to commemorate the event.
The Honoring a True Hero game is meant to be a family event, Wezniak said. It will also give the community a chance to come together to remember Sullivan.
“It’s very important that people don’t forget, especially someone who was awarded two Purple Hearts. It’s a big deal for the community to come together for something like this, especially when it’s military related,” Wezniak said. “I feel like, as veterans, we don’t get enough support from people, so it’s nice to show our appreciation and pay our respects any way we can … He was a true hero. He was one that gave all for his country. It seems like his family really wants to build a lasting name for him, and we just want to help.”
The Honoring a True Hero will take place at 5 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Amelia Park. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for age 15 and under, and free for children 5 and under, as well as military members with identification. Businesses that are interested in supporting the event should contact Wezniak at 885-9699.