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| May 24, 2008
Detroit Mission Stars
|  Learning Life Lessons and Making a Difference!
Members from the Detroit Mission Stars roller hockey teams learned firsthand that commitment, courage and strength can come in many sizes and shapes. On Sunday, May 18, 2008 this group of young men and women met soldiers from the Army’s 783’d MP battalion and were treated to an amazing experience. The players were there to donate travel packs to the soldiers to take with them on their mobilization later this summer.
Players representing four teams and ranging in age from 9-17 years old spent an afternoon assembling bags with a variety of items and making posters in support of the troops. Mike Schnurr of Lipari Foods, one of the Co? Directors of Detroit Mission Stars, donated cases of water and snacks and donated the funds used to purchase items for the soldiers.
The players proudly wore their team jerseys and stood in awe as the entire battalion thanked them for their donation. First Sergeant Michael Julvezan presented Dave Zarem, Co-Director of Detroit Mission Stars with a plaque that recognized the DMS program for their dedication to the armed forces and in turn Zarem gave a heartfelt thank you to the Army and all of the soldiers. Zarem then offered the support of their entire organization and dedicated the 08 season to them. It was an inspiring event to watch humble soldiers shaking the player’s hands and thanking them for the travel packs. The battalion leaders 1LT Paul Workman and 1SG Michael Julvezan made arrangements for a personal tour of the facility for all the players and their families. The highlight for the players was being allowed to try on actual soldier uniforms and
taking rides in some of the military vehicles. The Stars were able to see and feel the dedication, pride and respect that the soldiers had and it was more than apparent it made a huge impact on these young men and women.
Detroit Mission Stars adhere to a strict code of conduct that promotes family, academic and athletic success. “Our program is more than just hockey” Zarem said. “Of course we want to win hockey games, but the focus is on preparing our players to become well rounded individuals”. Throughout the tour many of the players and parents noticed that every soldier had a patch of an American flag that was facing in the opposite direction on their uniforms. Julvezan informed the group that this flag means the battalion is always looking to move forward.
The players will be traveling to San Jose, California this summer to compete at the NARCh Finas and have dedicated their efforts to the soldiers. They have vowed to stay in contact with the battalion and will continue to “look forward” to their safe return home.
Follow all the Detroit Mission Stars teams on the web at www.detroitstars.com.
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