ChainLvqn-outline

Many veterans face an uphill battle when they return as they figure out how they will integrate back into society. This has become the impetus for a new foundation, “Battlefields to Ballfields.’’

The Foundation will provide scholarships to veterans who return from defending our country with an opportunity to get integrated back into their community through officiating. Those who have been involved in officiating already have felt the joy of stepping out onto the field or a court. With it, comes a great sense of value that leaves one with a feeling of accomplishment.  

In serving in the military, and in officiating, there’s the common bond of being a member of a team and creating order out of chaos. Battlefields to Ballfields will provide these veterans with an opportunity to hone their newfound officiating skills and participate in something that will give them a new sense of self-worth along with the ability to make some extra income. While the ultimate goal will be to get some of our returning veterans into the upper levels of officiating, including the professional ranks, they will start out at the local level working high school and youth level games. Local associations are actively recruiting because there aren’t enough officials signing up. This Foundation will put more officials and judges into the system and will greatly enhance the image of those entering the officiating ranks.

ChainLvqn-outline

There are many ways, whether it’s applying for a scholarship, the several options to lend a helping a hand, or be it donating to the cause.

Battlefields to Ballfields (B2B) is now a proud member of AmericaServes through our participation in NYServes-Upstate, a coordinated network of over 45 public, private and nonprofit organizations serving veterans, service members and their families in the Upstate NY area.

NYServes-Upstate improves access to the community’s resources by directly connecting veterans to providers in their area, based on individual need and location. NYServes-Upstate is ready to link veterans, service members and their families to a variety of services, including employment, housing, benefits, legal, and much more.

Battlefields to Ballfields is proud to partner with NYServes-Upstate to better serve those who have served us. If you are a veteran, service member, or military family member in need of services in the upstate region, please contact NYServes-Upstate at 1-855-459-8387, or fill out the assistance request form here.

To learn more about AmericaServes, a program spearheaded by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, visit our website here.