Veterans Honored at PHS Football Team’s Armed Forces Day Event

Friday night the Portage High School football team hosted what it hopes will be an annual staple on the Warpath as the Indians “Honored Our Heroes” during an Armed Forces Day event.  The football players went through a Combat Fitness Test led by Captain Shipley and Gunnery Sergeant Gooch from the United States Marine Corps.

Portage assistant football coach Eddie Rael organized the event and delivered the introductory speech.  Captain Shipley also addressed the crowd.  Interim Athletic Director Kelly Bermes, new head football coach Wally McCormack, ticket sellers Tim Haupt and Josh Sabinas, Ann Mayer of Wish for Our Heroes, Ed Bermes of the Portage Booster Club and Jen Donahue of the PFND Club all helped Rael make the event possible.

“It’s everything I wanted it to be,” Rael said.  “I’m extremely happy with the turnout that we did have.  Sometimes it’s not about how much money you raise; it comes down to the kids.  Our kids are getting unbelievable training by the Marines today.”

While the Portage football players went through an intense workout, there was an obstacle course and football toss available for the younger attendees.  The Portage Junior ROTC presented the colors and PHS junior Mackenzie Barcelli performed the National Anthem.    All veterans that attended received free admission and were honored at the conclusion of the CFT. 

Rael was pleased with the experience that the football players received.

“Look at them going through this now.  You don’t get that type of training in the weight room,” he said.

Portage Township Schools Superintendent Mike Berta, who is set to retire at the conclusion of the school year, was in attendance soaking in the positive vibes that he received from watching the football players work with the military.

“I think it’s wonderful, I really do,” Berta said.  “The school corporation has been very supportive of the military as evident through the ROTC program and different events and activities during the year.  This is just one more to add to the whole cadre of events, and I think it’s great.”

Berta, who speculated that the event could be expanded to involve Portage students who are not members of the football team, was keeping a close eye on the bonding that took place between the military personnel and the players.

“I know what the military is going to do before this event is over,” he said.  “They’re going to bond with the students.  I think that’s the message that’s going to go out from this.  A strong relationship begins with this event tonight and it will grow over the years.”

For Rael, who spent nine years in the US Army, perhaps the best part of the night was having his father Eagle there.  The elder Rael traveled from New Mexico to attend the event and give his son a hand.

“Dad made it.  He traveled 27 hours.  It’s just an unbelievable feeling to have your dad here to be by your side.  He helped me set the field up today, just down to the most minor things.  It’s great to have my hero here.  He’s a Bronze Star recipient from the Vietnam War.  What more can a kid want than to follow in his dad’s footsteps like that,” Eddie Rael said.

Both Berta and Rael expect the event to continue to prosper and grow in future years.

“I think that it will grow because these young men that are here participating in this are going to tell other people, their colleagues as well as the underclassmen, about this event and I think that’s going to get the word out that this was not only a fun activity, but a grueling activity,” Berta said.

Proceeds from the event went to the “Wish for Our Heroes” charity.  It was the first event of its kind hosted at PHS as it combined raising money for a good cause, giving the football team a great experience, bringing in the Marines and honoring our heroes. 

Click here for a full photo gallery from Friday night!