As we celebrate our nation' heroes, it's easy to overlook the unsung heroes who serve our country with quiet dedication. At the heart of this mission is Jacob Vanek, a young athlete from Sparks, Nevada, whose father served in the Air Force for 21 years. Inspired by his dad's service and commitment, Jacob wants to do his part to support those who have served. And he' found that baseball is the perfect way to make a difference.


     As an assistant coach at Lassen College and head coach of the Susanville Renegades, American Legion High School team, Casey Lee is also now leading the charge for WarDogs. With his passion for coaching and commitment to giving back, Lee is making waves on and off the field.  As we salute Jacob Vanek and all our nation's heroes, let us remember that there are many ways to be a hero on and off the field. May their stories inspire us to come together and support those who serve.

In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE

     As we celebrate our nation’s heroes, it’s easy to overlook the unsung heroes who serve our country in quieter ways. One such individual is Casey Lee, a dedicated coach and veteran of the United States Army. With 11 years of service under his belt, Lee has seen it all from deploying to Afghanistan to recruiting in Reno, NV.
 
     But after leaving the Army in October 2020, Lee discovered a new passion: coaching baseball. As an assistant coach at Lassen College and the head coach for the Susanville Renegades, American Legion High School team, he' found a way to give back to the military community while pursuing his love of leadership and the game. Lee’s story is a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and providing a sense of purpose. As someone who has struggled with PTSD, he knows firsthand the importance of community and camaraderie. Through his work with the WarDogs organization, Lee hopes to use baseball as a tool for healing and giving back.
 
     As we salute Casey Lee and all our nation’s hero’s past, present, and future, let us remember that there are many ways to be a hero on and off the field. May their stories inspire us to come together and support those who serve.

​In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE

     ​As we pay tribute to our nation's heroes, it's easy to forget about the unsung heroes who serve our country in quieter ways. One such individual is Joshua Soske, a dedicated member of the WarDogs organization and a proud sailor in the United States Navy.

     Soske's journey began when he was just three years old, picking up a baseball bat for the first time. He never put it down, playing continuously throughout his childhood, college years at Gray's Harbor CC, and even professionally with independent teams in Portland, Oregon. His passion for the game only grew stronger as he entered the Navy, where he's been serving for six years.

     While stationed in Spain Soske has had the privilege of participating in humanitarian missions like Continuing Promise 2022, but it was his experience playing baseball with the WarDogs in Spain that sparked a new sense of purpose within him. He joined the organization to combine his love of baseball with giving back to veterans in any way he could.

     As we salute Joshua Soske and all the men and women who serve alongside him, let us remember that there are many ways to be a hero on and off the field. May their stories motivate us to come together as a nation and support our heroes in every way possible.

In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE

     As a nation, we often think of our heroes as those who serve on the battlefield, but there are many unsung heroes who have dedicated their lives to serving our country in other ways. One such individual is Michael Livesey, a veteran Navy Operation Specialist and current member of the WarDogs organization.

     Michael's story begins like that of many young Americans with a love of baseball. Growing up, he played Wiffle Ball with his friends, eventually transitioning to travel and high school teams. But after taking five years off from the game, he found himself reconnecting with his passion for baseball through the WarDogs organization. Michael has spent much of his time at sea, serving on the USS Mobile Bay and later at Tactical Training Group Pacific. When he eventually transitioned to shore duty, he discovered the San Diego WarDogs, a team that allowed him to combine his love of baseball with his desire to give back.

​     The WarDogs organization is dedicated to spreading their mission statement through baseball, playing games across the country to raise awareness and support for active-duty military members, their families, and all veterans. For Michael, joining the WarDogs was a way to stay connected with his fellow service members and find purpose in his post-military life. But, Michael's story is more than just one of personal fulfillment it's also a testament to the transformative power of baseball.

     ​In a world where too many veterans struggle with mental health issues and feelings of isolation, Michael's story serves as a reminder that there are organizations like the WarDogs out there, dedicated to supporting those who have served our country. So let us raise our caps in salute to Michael Livesey and all the men and women who serve alongside him. May their stories inspire us to come together as a nation and support our heroes in ways big and small.

In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates HERE

As a Sergeantt in the United States Army, Ruger Beck has dedicated his life to serving our country with distinction. But Ruger's story is not just one of service; it is also a testament to the transformative power of baseball. Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Ruger was immersed in the game from a young age, playing select ball and even competing in the Jr. League World Series (the older version of Little League). Baseball wasn't just a game for Ruger; it was a way of life.


However, Ruger's journey took an unexpected turn when he suffered a collarbone injury during his freshman year of college, requiring two surgeries. Despite the setback, Ruger persevered and continued to pursue his passion for baseball. But as he looked around at the sacrifices made by those who served, including his grandfather, uncle, and cousins, Ruger realized that there was more to life than just playing ball. Ruger's desire to give back mixed with his love of baseball led him to join the WarDogs organization. With a passion for serving others, Ruger has worked as a personal trainer, coach, served in the Army, and now works as a Construction Manager for Habitat for Humanity. His decision to join the WarDogs was an easy one , it allowed him to combine his love of baseball with his desire to give back.


In Ruger Beck, we find a shining example of what it means to be a true American patriot. His story is one of service, sacrifice, and purpose – a grand slam for giving back, if you will. So let us raise our caps in salute to this remarkable individual, and to the countless men and women who serve alongside him. For Ruger Beck, and for all those who have served before him, we say thank you.

In partnership with our brothers and sisters at Operation Encore. You can view our schedule and tour dates here