CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - A 93-year-old World War II veteran has thrown out the ceremonial first pitch of a college game in central Illinois as part of a program to honor veterans and raise awareness about veteran suicides.
Howard Ross earned a Purple Heart for a shrapnel injury when he was a tech sergeant in the Philippines.
Champaign’s New-Gazette reports Ross threw the pitch before the second game of Saturday’s double-header with Danville Area Community College at Champaign’s Parkland College.
People were interested in these podcasts
Ross said the throw was “no trouble at all” and an announcer joked over the loudspeaker that “there might be a spot in the bullpen” for Ross.
Vietnam and Korean War veterans also participated. The News-Gazette reports the awareness program is called “Mission 22” - after the estimated 22 veteran suicides daily on average.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.