For the fourth year, a local softball tournament is raising money for Minnesota military families.
From September 7th through the 9th dozens of teams were able to break fundraising records for the Military Appreciation Softball Tournament at Sand Creek Park.
Active military members, veterans and immediate family members of servicemen and service women are allowed to participate.
“It’s the six degrees of separation, my uncle’s kid, my kid, my grandfather, somebody served in this state,” said Tournament Director Ed Sicora who is also a NAVY Veteran.
The tournament raised more than $12,000 for charities that benefit military families. They include: Tee it Up for Troops, the Minnesota Patriot Guard, Fishing with Vets, Hometown Hero Outdoors, and the Minnesota Warriors Hockey Club.
“Being a veteran, giving back to veterans to me means more to me than just about anything I can come up with,” said Sicora.
Winning this year’s tournament was the U.S. Marine Corps team. They take over the bragging rights from the U.S. NAVY team for the next year.