BEDFORD – The BNL Lady Stars started their season honoring military veterans and active personnel on Friday, November 4th, prior to the beginning of the Varsity game at 7 p.m.
The Lady Stars asked those individuals to join them center stage as they thanked and honored the military for the sacrifices they have made for this country.
All veterans and current active military were admitted for free to the game to cheer on the second-ranked team in the state as they faced off against the Mooresville Pioneers to start the 2022-2023 regular season.
During the presentation, the Lady Stars signed a basketball which was presented to Lieutenant Colonel Cladie Bailey Chapter 2 Disabled American Veterans. The ball was presented by Madisyn Bailey who is the great-great niece of Lieutenant Colonel Cladie Bailey.
Lieutenant Colonel Cladie Bailey, of Heltonville, served during World War II and was tragically killed by an enemy grenade on April 20, 1945. For his service, he earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Distinguished Service Cross, with only the Medal of Honor being higher than the Distinguished Service Crosse.
“As the state’s oldest DAV Chapter, they are dedicated to serving our nation’s disabled veterans, proud to support the BNL Lady Stars, and honored to uphold the DAV mission station,” said Veteran Affairs Officer Brad Bough. “I also want to thank Athletic Director Jeff Callahan, Coach Jeff Allen, and all of the Lady Stars.”
The basketball will be on display at the Veterans Affairs Office in the basement of the Lawrence County Courthouse.
The DAV Mission Statement: We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that Veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transiting back to civilian life.
If you are interested in becoming a member of Indiana’s oldest DAV Chapter your fellow veterans invite you to attend one of their monthly meetings. DAV Chapter 2 meets on the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at Smokin’ Jim’s Barbecue located at 1414 Bundy Lane in Bedford.
