On top of the first base dugout at Day Air Ballpark, Operation Cherrybend was honored as a Hometown Hero. Members from Operation Cherrybend received an engraved bat from a Reynolds and Reynolds representative and a check of one thousand dollars from the Dayton Dragons Foundation.

At every home Dayton Dragons game, the club highlights military members past and present through the Hometown Heroes Program. Through the program, veterans and their families are hosted at every home game; while on special nights, select military organizations and charities are recognized.

Operation Cherrybend is one such organization. Located in Wilmington Ohio, it is made up of volunteers who aim to support veterans long after they’ve made it back home. Each year, Beth Ellis, the President of Operation Cherrybend, and her family excitedly open up their farm to host a five-day event for combat veterans. The event consists of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, skydiving, and live music.

The overall mission for Operation Cherrybend is to thank veterans for their courage and sacrifice to our country. They hope to educate the public about the trials and tribulations of wounded veterans and veterans in general.

For more information on the Hometown Heroes program, please visit https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/hometownheroes.