I played high school football for the Oak Ridge High School Wildcats many years ago. Because of my military service, I've not been to a high school football game in the United States since the last one I played in back in 1969. I'm going to change that in about a month.

I've learned that Coach Tim James and the Heritage High School Football "Generals" open their season on August 26th at Jeff Sims Field in Ringgold. And in spite of all the destruction and trauma Ringgold and Catoosa County suffered as a result of the tragic tornado in April, Coach James and the Generals are working with Fort Benning, Georgia to sponsor a group of our Wounded Warriors. While the Coach's plan is still coming together, he hopes fifteen to thirty recently injured Wounded Warriors from the Wounded Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Benning will attend the game and be recognized as the heroes they are. During halftime activities, Coach James will "pass the hat" in the stands to solicit any donation fans might want to make to the national Wounded Warrior Project.

Also, the Coach is working with local businesses in the Chattanooga area to seek complimentary lodging, dining and tourism opportunities for the Wounded Warriors while they're in town. If you or your business can help Coach James by offering your support or services to accommodate these Wounded Warriors' upcoming stay in the Chattanooga area, please contact the Coach on his cell phone at (423) 240-2832 or by email at: tjames.hhs@catoosa.k12ga.us.

In addition to the Wounded Warrior activities at the August 26th game, Coach James is also extending an invitation to all area High Schools to select one Friday evening during the upcoming football season to "pass the hat" at halftime to solicit donations for the Wounded Warrior Project. High Schools can forward the proceeds to Coach James who will tally them all up at the end of the year and make a single area wide donation to the National Wounded Warrior Project.

Wow. Every day I'm reminded why Katie and I returned to the Chattanooga area following our military service. This area is a bedrock of American patriotism and our local citizens express their appreciation for our military in so many wonderful ways. Coach James and his Generals are great examples of everything that is right about our United States of America. Thank you Coach James and thank you Generals!

I haven't been to a high school football game in a long time. I can't wait for this one.

General (Retired) B.B. Bell
bbbell12@yahoo.com