COGINCHAUG AND CROMWELL FOOTBALL TEAMS TO AID HOMELESS VETERANS AT THANKSGIVING DAY GAME

The traditional Coginchaug/Cromwell Thanksgiving Day football game will take on an added importance this year that will extend far beyond the results on the field.  The teams have partnered with the Homes for the Brave veterans’ transitional housing program in Bridgeport to dedicate the game to help raise awareness about the issue of homeless military veterans.  The first annual “Homes for the Brave Bowl” will be played at Cromwell’s Pierson Park at 10:00 A.M. on Thanksgiving, November 28th.

The Homes for the Brave veterans’ transitional housing program serves veterans from across the state.  It provides the housing and services necessary to help homeless veterans return to productive and meaningful lives.  The organization gives homeless veterans access to a comprehensive array of services designed to help them relearn the lesson from their military service: that hard work and responsibility lead to independence.  Homes for the Brave reminds us of the courage and strength of our soldiers who have sacrificed so much to protect our way of life.  It is a sanctuary for those who have returned home bearing the physical, mental and emotional scars of combat so that we may live in freedom and security.

Cromwell head coach Chris Eckert spoke about the decision to dedicate the Thanksgiving Day game to members of the military.  “I loved the idea from the very beginning.  Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have while also thanking the people that provided those things for us.  The Homes for the Brave Bowl commemorates our thanks to all the service men and women who have fought for us, past and present.”  

Coginchaug head coach John Bozzi concurred.  “Chris and I wanted to dedicate the game to a local cause, to something that touched both communities, and nothing is more local than raising awareness about veterans’ issues.  Members of the military don’t fight for a particular zip code.  They fight for all of us and so we all owe a debt of gratitude to veterans everywhere, especially those who need our help to regain their rightful place in society. The “Homes for the Brave Bowl” is our small effort to help make that happen.”     

Fans are asked to make a donation by check or to bring an item from the program’s wish list to the game.  The Homes for the Brave accepts a wide range items including food, new clothing and new bedding.  To make an online donation or view the program’s complete wish list of items, please go to www.homesforthebrave.org.  The captains and coaches from both teams will deliver the donations to the Homes for the Brave in December.