The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – March 4, 2019 – When the Northwest Indiana Oilmen take the field on July 22, it will be about far more than just baseball.

On that day, the U.S. Military All-Stars will return to Northwest Indiana for a stop on this year’s Red, White & Blue Tour as they continue the mission of promoting the awareness of all Americans in support of the honorable sacrifices our armed forces make. The team is comprised of active duty servicemen from all branches of service around the world.  

“We are beyond excited to welcome the U.S. Military All-Stars back to Northwest Indiana to take on the Oilmen this summer,” Oilmen owner Don Popravak said. “This cause is very important to me, and I look so forward to helping the All-Stars raise support and awareness for their mission, our local veterans and all men and women who have served our country. We are already counting down the days until July 22, and I hope you’ll join the U.S. Military All-Stars, the entire Oilmen organization and our local heroes for an unforgettable night at the ballpark.”

Many of these men go directly from the battlefield to the ball field, while many others go from the ball field to the battlefield. Even a brief conversation with U.S. Military All-Stars Vice President Tank Stone is enough to hear the passion in his voice, and enough to understand the importance of this team’s mission.

“Six of these men are literally just coming back from ducking bullets, and that’s called deployment,” Stone said. “Some of the men will not be able to attend because they’re still deployed, and at least six of the men will be deployed shortly after leaving. The government isn’t paying for this. The hardest job I’ve ever had is to raise awareness for this cause, and the very hardest job I’ve ever had is to raise money to raise awareness. We are so appreciative of having organizations like the Northwest Indiana Oilmen and owner Don Popravak who go to the effort to help us achieve that goal. This is Don’s way of giving to the veterans, this is my way of giving to my men and this is our way of giving to all who have given to our freedoms.” 

This will mark the fourth time the U.S. Military All-Stars have visited Oil City Stadium to play the Oilmen with the prior meetings occurring in 2012, 2013 and 2016. The All-Stars lead with honor, recognizing all men and women who have worn a uniform in defense of our freedom. The team will hold a pregame ceremony, evoking emotion and pride in military personnel. That moment is sure to be a special one, but the team’s mission is about making that emotion, that pride and that recognition last longer than a single moment in time.

“We want this to last beyond 72 hours,” Stone said. “The lives of veterans isn’t just a commercial or a couple days. They’ve served years and decades, so they need to see recognition and support as often as possible. Our goal is to leave a lasting impact on the communities we visit that extends far beyond the time we are in town.”

The U.S. Military All-Stars have played in front of sellout crowds during previous visits to Northwest Indiana, showing the Region’s recognition of and appreciation for men and women who have served or are currently serving our country.

The game will begin at 7:10 p.m. on Monday, July 22.

“Thank you for inviting the All-Stars to assist you in honoring your local veterans,” Stone said. “What an honor it is to participate with a community reaching out to its own veteran community in thanks.”