Swinging for the Fences Evan Viers has grown up with a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve our country. His passion for baseball is what truly sets him apart. Growing up, Evan looked up to his dad and brother as role models, and it was only natural that he would follow in their footsteps. He played baseball all the way through high school, where he excelled and honed his skills. But it wasn't until he heard about US Military Wardogs baseball from his brother that he truly found his calling. The spark of passion ignited by his first game with the Wardogs has driven Evan to dedicate countless hours to training and perfecting his craft. His commitment is evident in every swing, every catch, and every pitch, and at the heart of it all is a sense of camaraderie that only comes from being part of a team. In Evan Viers, we see a young man who embodies the values of dedication, hard work, and teamwork. His story serves as a reminder that, even in the midst of chaos, there is always time for passion and purpose. As he continues to excel on and off the field, we can't help but be inspired by his unwavering commitment to being part of something bigger than himself.
In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates here ->Events As we celebrate the spirit of service and sacrifice, we honor Eddie Ihnken. Eddie's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. As an Aviation Maintenance Technician with the US Coast Guard, he's spent 10 years serving his country, from counter-drug deployments to search and rescue missions. But it's his love for baseball that has brought him a new level of fulfillment. From playing T-ball at age 4 to playing at The Collage of New Jersey and beyond, Eddie's heart remains in the game. When he discovered the US Military Wardogs National Team, he knew he'd found his calling. As one of four captains on the national team, he's led by example, using his skills to help build the organization from the ground up I knew from the day I met the staff and players, who I know consider brothers and family, that this was something I wanted to be apart of for the rest of my life and showcase to my children the importance of honoring the military members that came before us. As Director of Local Teams, Eddie has helped establish WarDogs chapters across the country, bringing together veterans and civilians alike in a shared mission of honor and remembrance. His story is a reminder that US Military Wardogs are more than just a team. It brings people together, creates new opportunities, and pays tribute to those who have served before us. Eddie Ihnken is living proof that with every swing of the bat and every toss of the ball, we can make a difference and honor those who have given their all.
In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates here ->Events A Home Run for a Higher Purpose As the crack of the bat echoes through the air, SFC Bryan Witt's eyes light up with a sense of purpose and passion. For this Army veteran, playing baseball is not just about hitting home runs or winning games; it's about serving something greater than himself. When Bryan joined the US Military Warogs, he was already a seasoned athlete. Bryan had always loved playing baseball, but it wasn't until he donned the uniform of the WarDogs that he felt truly fulfilled.
A Leader on and Off the Field: Brandon McCoy's Unwavering Commitment to Service and Baseball Meet Brandon McCoy, a 15-year veteran of the military who has served with distinction in both the Navy Reserve and Army Reserve. Currently, he serves as a recruiter in Wichita, Kansas, where he is dedicated to inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. But what may surprise you is that Brandon's passion for baseball is just as strong as his commitment to service. From playing tee-ball at 5 years old to walking onto the University of Houston-Downtown team in 2009, Brandon has been a ballplayer at heart. He's continued to play throughout leagues in various cities, including Houston, San Antonio, Northwest Arkansas, Kentucky/Indiana, and South New Jersey. In fact, Brandon was part of the MSBL World Series in Phoenix in 2018, and he even had the privilege of playing with the U.S. Military All-Stars in 2019. His experience with the All-Stars was a blast, but when they went dormant, Brandon didn't let that stop him from continuing to play baseball while representing the Army.
Blake Butler is Carrying on His Grandfather's Legacy in Service to Others As we continue to celebrate our athletes it's refreshing to come across individuals who are making a difference beyond the spotlight. Meet Blake Butler from Baytown, TX, who is not only pursuing his passion for baseball but also dedicating himself to becoming an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Firefighter. Blake's journey began in high school, where he played for an elite 6A-5A team in the Houston area. He then continued his education and baseball career at San Jacinto College before transferring to Dallas College. His love for baseball has taken him to new heights, but it's his commitment to serving others that truly sets him apart.
A True Leader On and Off The Field As we celebrate the dedication and bravery of those who serve our country, it's an honor to share the remarkable story of Second Lieutenant Andrew Paige, United States Marine Corps. Andrew has already demonstrated the kind of character and leadership skills that will serve him well throughout his career. His journey didn't start with his time in the Marines, however. His passion for baseball has been a constant companion throughout his life. From playing competitively at just nine years old Andrew's love for the game is evident.
Throughout his life, Andrew has been driven by a strong sense of purpose and dedication to his craft. This same drive has carried over into his military service, where he is respected and admired by his peers for his leadership abilities and commitment to excellence. As we look to the future and the challenges that lie ahead, it's heartening to know that men like Andrew are serving our country with honor and distinction. We are proud to have him embark on the journey with us during our 2024 So Other May Live Tour. Ooh Rah! In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates Here -> Events  A Story of Service, Sacrifice, and BaseballI've always loved being part of a team, but I also wanted to play with individuals who have walked the same journey that I have in serving our country. The War Dogs give me the opportunity to do both. After dedicating 20 years to serving his country in the United States Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Andre Vappie returned home and faced challenges common among veterans. Despite difficulties replicating the sense of purpose and belonging he had during military service, Andre found solace in his lifelong passion for baseball, which ignited at age six. He played throughout high school and even tried out as a walk-on player at Nicholls State University before joining the Army. During his first two years of service, Andre played semi-pro ball for the Watertown Indians in upstate New York. After retiring from the Army in 2018, he discovered War Dogs Baseball, a team comprised of veterans like himself who share a deep appreciation for baseball and the bonds forged through military service.
This community of veterans and service members understands the unique challenges and experiences that come with military service, finding fellowship, support, and belonging through their shared love of baseball. For Andre, playing with the War Dogs is not only a way to stay connected to his fellow service members but also a means to give back to his community. The War Dogs' story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sports in bridging gaps between different walks of life, especially for those who have served their country. While baseball may be just a game to some, it represents a connection to fellow service members and a way to give back for veterans like Andre. As we celebrate the sacrifices made by our nation's heroes, let us not forget the importance of providing them with opportunities to heal, grow, and connect with one another. This a shining example being of US Military War Dogs' commitment to fostering community and belonging through sports. In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates Here -> Events |
