Welcome to everyone visiting our little corner of God’s green Earth for the 77th playing of the Little League World Series. Congrats to the teams, fans, and all involved as you complete this amazing summer journey.

A tip of my cap with the American Flag on the side to Little League Baseball President and CEO Stephen Keener. He has done an amazing job during his tenure. He always put the kids first and made it about the love and teaching of the game. This will be his final World Series as he hands the reins over to Pat Wilson — a great choice by the organization to follow in Steve’s footsteps.

Steve has been with Little League for 44 years; wow, how things have changed. I think it’s very fitting this matches the number Hank Aaron wore on his back. Who would have ever thought Little League and Major League Baseball would have forged the relationship to support each other in the global way they have? They have always had a good relationship and reached new heights evidenced by the playing of the MLB Little League Classic. I can’t wait to see the interaction between the Little League players and the Yankees and Tigers.

Well, I’ve already talked more about Steve than he would want me to. Enjoy your upcoming retirement, my friend; I’m sure I’ll run into you at a ballgame somewhere.
There is much more to be found about the LLWS and all the happenings in our area in the pages ahead. Good luck and great health to all the teams, fans, and folks who make it happen. Please don’t lose sight of the fact that they’re just kids out there performing at an amazingly high level.

As we enjoy baseball, I thought it would be a great time to recognize a true American hero who helped provide the freedom that allows us to enjoy the sport. Recently, Eugene Otterbein, who does a great job for the Picture Rocks Veteran Memorial Park, reached out to me. They were honoring a 99-year-old World War II veteran named Willis E. Ide. He invited me to the ceremony when they placed a brick in his honor into the walkway.

Mr. Ide served in the US Army during the Battle of the Bulge and other historic events within the 135th Signal Radio Intelligence Company. He suffered injuries and earned two bronze stars while defending our freedom.

The information he helped gather went directly to his superior officer and then to General Patton, whom he met personally. The 135th provided key intelligence in the German’s failed Ardennes Offensive. This vital data helped propel Allied forces to victory.

It’s not often that you get to meet a gentleman like Mr. Ide, who was part of this type of world history. He actually lived it, survived it, and at nearly 100 years old, can share his experiences.

He is a remarkably humble man who loves our great Nation and told me he was honored to serve and would do it all over again. He loves his family, who shared the special day with him. If the Lord called him home tomorrow, he stated he would be happy and not want to change a thing. What a remarkable American.

Well, I’m out of space for this week. If you’d like to learn more about or donate to Veterans Memorial Park of Picture Rocks, please visit https://www.facebook.com/vetsparkpr/.
Just a quick note to save the date. Ron Mingle, Webb Weekly family member and overseer of the Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest, would like me to remind everybody that The Sulphur Springs Rifle and Revolver Club will be having their 2024 Youth Shoot this Saturday. The event will take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and complete information can be found on page 48 with Ken Hunter.

Let’s all be safe out there.

God Bless America.