A New Chapter on the Diamond Jordan Dunkley is a shining example of dedication, passion, and patriotism. As a dependent of an active duty Air Force member, Jordan has grown up surrounded by the sacrifices and service that comes with military life. Jordan's story isn't just about being part of a military family, it's also about following his dreams. From playing baseball in high school to earning an athletic scholarship at the collegiate level, Jordan has always had a passion for the game. Now, as he works towards commissioning into the US Coast Guard and becoming active duty by the end of the year, Jordan is finding new ways to combine his love of baseball with his sense of service. As part of the WarDogs organization, Jordan has been able to continue playing the game while giving back to those who have served. "I enjoy the competitive aspect and love to win... But at the end of the day, it's about having fun and making memories with fellow veterans and active duty service members." In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE
The Winning Spirit Justin Rosa stationed in Norfolk, VA never thought he'd be back on the baseball diamond, let alone playing with a group of fellow veterans and other active duty members from other branches. As a Fire Controlman, Justin spent three years serving on board the USS Harry S Truman. The experience was intense, and when he returned stateside, he found himself feeling lost. That's when he discovered WarDogs Baseball an organization that brought together veterans who shared his love for the game. Justin joined the Wardogs Norfolk team, and it wasn't long before he caught the baseball bug again. He had played for 9 years as a kid, winning tournaments and even earning the state award with his Venice Pythons team in Florida. But after hitting high school, he lost touch with his love of the game. WarDogs Baseball changed all that, Justin found a sense of camaraderie with his teammates, and the organization's mission to support veterans resonated deeply with him. He was selected to play for the National Wardogs team in the summer of 2023, an experience that has given him a new lease on life. For Justin, playing college baseball after he separates from the Navy is now within reach. He's grateful for the opportunity to continue playing the game he loves, and he knows that his experience with WarDogs Baseball will stay with him long after he hangs up his cleats. "I love the brotherhood that comes with playing baseball with other veterans and active duty service members. It's a sense of belonging and camaraderie that's hard to find elsewhere." In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE
Patriotism on the Diamond Joseph Mpande is a shining example of dedication, hard work, and patriotism. As a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) in the United States Navy, Joseph has served his country with distinction, commissioning out of the University of Texas after studying computer science at Huston-Tillotson. But Joseph's story isn't just about his military service it's also about his love of baseball. From playing in 8th grade to making varsity in high school and later playing at the NAIA DIVISION 1 level, baseball has always been a big part of Joseph's life. When Joseph joined the WarDogs organization, he was drawn to their mission and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team made up of fellow veterans and active duty service members. As a member of the WarDogs, Joseph has found a new sense of purpose and belonging. "I love being part of the WarDogs organization because it allows me to connect with other veterans and active duty service members who share my passion for baseball. It's a great way to build camaraderie and create lasting memories." In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE
Finding Brotherhood on the Diamond Jake Heyman from San Diego is a true patriot, who served 9 hard fought years in the United States Marine Corps. As a Staff Sergeant, he's seen his fair share of action while serving out of Okinawa. But, Jake's story isn't just about his military service it's also about his love of baseball. From playing t-ball through high school, he's always had a passion for the game and later joined the All Marine Corps Baseball team in 2011-2012 After ending his time with the Marines in 2019, Jake didn't give up on his love of baseball. He started and then transferred his all-military baseball team to the WarDogs organization, where he could continue to play the game while giving back to those who have served. As the San Diego WarDogs' team captain and coach, Jake has led the team to numerous championships and tournaments, spreading his passion for baseball and service to veterans. You can listen to Jake speak more on the Wardogs on the Last Batter Podcast HERE "Our goal is the same…to allow military active duty and veterans the ability to continue their baseball experience." In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE
A New Chapter in Life Ken Breuder is a true patriot and a shining example of dedication, hard work, and passion for baseball. As an E-6 Former Aegis Firecontrolman in the U.S. Navy, Ken served his country with distinction, completing 10.5 years of service and participating in 9 deployments. But Ken's story isn't just about his military service, t’s also about his love of baseball. From playing division II baseball as a walk-on at St. Anselm College, to umpiring high school and collegiate games, Ken has always had a passion for the game. When Ken joined the Navy at 31, he was privileged enough to play overseas with the US Military Wardogs in Japan and Spain. This experience allowed him to stay connected to other veterans and service members, giving back to local communities and honoring his own legacy as well as those of fellow veterans. "I love being part of the WarDogs organization because it allows me to stay connected to other veterans and service members, give back to local communities, and honor our veteran legacies so they are not forgotten." In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE
Serving on Two Fronts Colby Casaus is a true patriot from lenexa, Kansas and a dedicated member of the National Guard. With 7 years of service under his belt, Colby has seen his fair share of action, including a combat deployment with the 2nd Battalion 130th Field Artillery. His experience in Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Eager Lion, and Operation Spartan Shield is a testament to his bravery and commitment to serving our country. But Colby's story isn't just about his military service - it's also about his love of baseball. As a former player at Garden City Community College, he never lost his passion for the game. And when he discovered the Wardogs, an organization that uses baseball as a way to give back and support veterans, he knew he had found something special. The work that the Wardogs does is amazing... It truly does actually help people and make a difference in their lives. Colby's decision to join the Wardogs wasn't just about getting back on the field, it was about being part of an organization that makes a real difference in people's lives. And as someone who has seen firsthand the impact that the Wardogs can have, Colby is proud to be a part of this incredible team.
In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE Serving Country and Community Shawn Bruce is a true patriot, having served our country with honor and distinction in the National Guard. As an Abrams tanker, he's seen his fair share of action and has developed a deep appreciation for the sacrifices that men and women make every day to protect our nation. But, Shawn's story doesn't stop there. Growing up, he was passionate about baseball, starting at just three years old. He played travel ball and even suited up alongside his dad on their local team. As he got older, Shawn decided to hang up his cleats and take the mound as a coach instead. Little did he know that his love of baseball would eventually lead him to Forever Never Forgotten.
Shawn's journey with U.S. Military Wardogs was unexpected, but it's exactly what made it so meaningful. When he attended a game featuring JC Brigade, he saw an opportunity to be part of something special and took the chance. As he learned more about the organization, Shawn fell in love with its mission and values. As we honor our nation's veterans, players like Shawn Bruce remind us that every small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. By giving back to those who have served, we're not just paying tribute to their sacrifices, we're also creating a ripple effect of positivity that spreads far beyond the baseball field. In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE A Hero in His Own Right Jacob Vanek is an inspiration to many, not just because of his impressive athletic career, but also because of the values he's learned from growing up in a military family. As an Air Force dependent, Jacob has seen firsthand the sacrifices that men and women make every day for their country. And it's clear that these experiences have shaped him into the person he is today. Jacob's dedication to giving back to veterans is a testament to the impact his father's service has had on his life. His father's 21 years of service, sacrifice, and provision has taught Jacob what it means to be a true leader and as a baseball player, Jacob knows that overcoming everyday challenges is all part of the game. As U.S. Military Wardogs Baseball continues to support our nation's veterans, players like Jacob Vanek are a reminder that every small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. By honoring those who have served and giving back to their communities, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that spreads far beyond the baseball field. My father has shown me how to truly be a man, by protecting and providing for his family, by providing an example of working hard in everything you do in life, and I hope to be half the man he is one day. As Jacob looks ahead to his future, he knows that his experiences will shape him into an even more compassionate and selfless individual. His dedication to giving back will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on those around him, and inspire others to follow in his footsteps. Forever Never Forgotten is proud to have players like Jacob Vanek who embody the organization's values of honor, support, and community.
In the end, it's not just about winning games or championships, it's about leaving a positive mark on the world and that's exactly what Jacob Vanek and the Wardogs are doing, one home run at a time. In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE A Slugger's Journey RJ Vaughan has navigated the highs and lows of military life while finding solace in the game he loves. While growing up in Philadelphia RJ started playing at age 5, honing his skills throughout high school then later his talent earned him a spot at Chestnut Hill College, where he played before joining the Navy in 2014.
As we celebrate the triumphs of our nation's heroes, it's essential that we also recognize the tireless efforts of individuals like CSS1 RJ Vaughan, a proud submariner and passionate baseball player. From being stationed previously onboard USS Maryland Gold and then becoming a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) instructor in North Island, Coronado RJ has been serving his country with distinction. It was during his time in San Diego that RJ renewed his passion for baseball and using it as an outlet to support his fellow service members and showcase the Wardogs' mission around the country. Joining the U.S. Military Wardogs San Diego team in 2020, Rj has been a driving force behind the team's mission to give back to their community. Through US Military Wardogs’ Baseball, Rj is not only continuing his love of the game but also using it as a platform to spread positivity and camaraderie among veterans and active-duty warriors. As he awaits the end of his naval career RJ remains committed to the Wardogs, determined to make a difference in the lives of those around him. In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE As we continue to honor the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes, it's essential that we also recognize the tireless efforts our players give, taking a unique approach to giving back to our military veterans and active duty warriors. Through our program, the we bring together elite players from our local teams on a national tour, competing against collegiate league and first responder teams.
One of the shining stars of this program is Jared Pensa, a Navy veteran who served honorably. Jared continued to serve by sharing his passion for baseball with others, he’s been playing the game all his life, from age 4 to present day, and now uses it as a platform to spread a positive message and serve those who came before him. Our players are not just athletes, they're ambassadors of hope and resilience. Jared Pensa, a shining example of this, has used his passion for baseball to spread positivity and serve those who have served before him. By sharing his story, he's inspiring others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that transcends generations. Through the Wardogs program, our players are not just competing on the field, they're building bridges between communities and honoring the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes. |