Demorest, GA – The Piedmont College softball program has been involved with recognizing those serving in the United States Military for many years under Head Coach Terry Martin. However, the day took on new meaning on Wednesday, March 18 as the Lady Lions paid tribute to one of its very own recognizing a patriot in the Piedmont classrooms.
At the mid-week contest, as the Lady Lions hosted USA South LaGrange College for a doubleheader at Walker Athletic Complex, Specialist Benjamin Stanfield was selected to throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch on Military Appreciation Day.
What many in the crowd did not know was that Specialist Stanfield was also a Piedmont College student as well.
“I want to give a special thanks to Coach Terry Martin, the ladies’ softball team, and Mr. John Gantz for inviting me today,” said Specialist Stanfield when taking the circle the for the event. “It is a pleasure to know that Piedmont College truly cares and honors those who served in the Armed Forces. I am humbled to be here today as a representative of all my brothers and sisters. Let us always remember in our prayers those deployed, and the family of those who never made it home.”
Specialist Stanfield spent nine years in two different branches of the United States Military and is also an Afghanistan combat veteran. Serving with the 231st Transportation Company out of Athens, Georgia, Specialist Stanfield is also a senior at Piedmont College and is a double major working towards a degree in both Criminal Justice and Political Science.
“We’ve been hosting a Military Appreciation Day for years as we wanted to show our appreciation for those in service to our country both at home and abroad,” said Coach Terry Martin of the special experience. “However, I can’t remember having such a strong connection as we did for this past week with one of our own students throwing out the first pitch. It was a great moment for our girls to appreciate the work of our military, and I bet it’s an experience that will stay with them for a long time.”
Specialist Stanfield was treated on Military Appreciation Day to a walk-off win by the Lady Lions in game 1 of that doubleheader as well with freshman Jessica Bagwell driving a base hit back up the middle to score Allison Vaughn for a 3-2 victory.
The Lady Lions will be joined by the Piedmont College men’s lacrosse team as well who plans to host their own event this coming weekend working with the Wounded Warrior Project and Methodist University to help honor the United States Military on Saturday evening.
