Sayville Schools Show Support for Troops

On April 27, the Sayville School District held a Support Our Troops Day, with students dressing in red, white and blue and collecting donations as they “Walked Laps for the Troops” during their lunch breaks, raising $1 for each lap they completed. The culmination of the event was held on the baseball field .

Before game time, there was an honors presentation. Active and former military personnel and veterans were invited on the field with the Color Guard from the Army and local Sayville VFW where they were all thanked and honored.

Six members of last year’s varsity baseball team are now serving in the military, so it was yet another way to honor their commitment. “You serve as role models for our youth. Thank you to our heroes. We are honored to be in your presence today,” said the announcement over the field’s loudspeaker.

The impetus behind the event was Sayville Varsity baseball coach Ryan Cox, whose father John is a veteran. Cox saw it fitting to pay tribute to those who have served our country. Cox was also instrumental in the makeover of “The Swamp,” also known as the baseball fields, which now feature a scoreboard and dugout thanks to his many initiatives, along with the Sayville Baseball Booster Club.

“I taught him everything he knows, but most importantly honor and dignity,” said John Cox of his son’s efforts. “It is such a pleasure to be here today and see what a wonderful job he has done with this field.” John has served as past commander of the VFW in Sayville and shared the day with many of his local veterans.

The first pitch was thrown out by Captain Mike Huggins. Huggins is a Sayville graduate who did three tours over in Afghanistan. He is currently a history teacher at Sayville High School.

My Country 96.1 WJVC hosted the event. Refreshments were sold by the Anchor Club and different classes. Camouflage t-shirts that read “Sayville Baseball” were sold by the Sayville Baseball Booster Club. All proceeds go to Support Our Troops Overseas.