Mayor’s Column- Wounded Warrior Tribute
On Saturday, June 28 the Philadelphia Phillies will be honoring Voorhees native Kevin Trzcinski as the “Wounded Warrior of the Game” at the 2:05 p.m. contest against the Atlanta Braves.
Kevin is a 2005 graduate of Eastern Regional High School and he is currently a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Operational Detachment Alpha 7325. He has served our country for four years.
On January 22, 2014, while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan, Kevin was shot in the chest by a Taliban sniper. He was airlifted to Kandahar Hospital and immediately underwent surgery to remove the bullet that penetrated his body armor and entered his chest cavity. He suffered major injuries to his left lung, diaphragm, ribs and spleen, forcing the removal of his spleen. A fragment of the bullet remains between his heart and spine.
On January 24, with his chest tube in his hand, Kevin stood for the first time since his injury in order to re-enlist for an additional four years of military service.
Kevin was eventually transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He underwent surgery the following week to remove more bullet fragments and to repair his damaged lung. He spent a total of three weeks recovering in the hospital.
Today, Kevin is back at his home in Destin, FL with his wife, Katie, awaiting his next assignment.
I am privileged to know Kevin personally, having coached him for several years in GVAA baseball. He is a true “hometown hero.”
If you are interested in honoring Kevin at the June 28 Phillies game, contact Phillies representatives Vanessa Napson (215)-218–5306 or Chris Long (215)-218–5219 or (267)-246–2775. Tell them you are attending the game to help honor Kevin as the “Wounded Warrior of the Game.”
On behalf of the entire Voorhees Community, congratulations to Kevin Trzcinski and thank you for your service!
** The first show in our 2014 Summer Twilight Series will be on Thursday, June 19 (rain date Sunday, June 22) and will feature Bruce in the USA, the world’s best tribute to Bruce Springstein & The E Street Band. This high-energy musical experience is note-perfect and a visually active recreation of a Springstein concert. The show is free and starts at 7:30 p.m. on the “Great Lawn” at Connolly Park. For more information, visit www.voorheesnj.com.
** The Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Foundation will be holding a “Playground for Children” fundraiser on Wednesday, June 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chez Elena Wu Restaurant, 910 Haddonfield-Berlin Road in Voorhees. Admission is $25 and includes a buffet dinner, assorted wines and a raffle. Help make children’s dreams come true by attending. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.vcdfoundation.com.
** The Voorhees Town Center is hosting a weekly Twilight Farmers Market every Thursday evening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Twilight Farmers Market is located on the special events plaza in front of Macy’s and again this year is featuring fresh locally grown produce and other specialty foods.
** If you are looking for a four-legged friend and would like to save a life, the Animal Welfare Association will be hosting an Adopt-a-Thon at its shelter on June 14, 9a.m. to 9p.m. There will be reduced adoption fees for hundreds of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats! The AWA is located at 509 Centennial Blvd. in Voorhees.