IN Peters Township December 2016/January 2017 | Page 83

Doug Vitale (center) with Lance Corporal Gunner Martin (left) and Lance Corporal Drew Clements (right), both of the 4th Law Enforcement Batallion, MP Company Bravo. The Fifth Annual Match for a Marine is currently planned for Feb. 8, 2017, and PTHS will host Mt. Lebanon. Plans are underway and the event will raise funds through admission fees, concessions, t-shirt sales, a 50/50 raffle and donations. “We truly hope this event can make a difference for as many soldiers as possible, by providing resources for them to be able to purchase things like wheelchair coats, that alone cost approximately $500,” says Mary. In special celebration of the fifth annual event, the PT wrestling teams and the Big Red Wrestling Boosters are reaching out to other schools around the United States to offer ideas and help start Match for Marine events countrywide. Currently, the organization has a commitment from a school in Massachusetts and now that wrestling season is in full swing, other WPIAL schools will be contacted. Also special to this year’s event, veteran organizations and elected officials will be invited to help bring attention to the cause. “While attendance has slipped in the past few years, we hope to pack the gymnasium this year and have the entire Peters Township community join us in supporting the cause,” says Mary. “We hope to see five more WPIAL schools also host their own event, and extend outreach to at least five schools outside of Pennsylvania. We already have Massachusetts, so we only have four more states to go!” PT’s Match for a Marine plans to continue and expand the events here at home and across the country for years to come. “Our long-term goal is to have at least one school in every state host a Match for a Marine, and bring attention to helping and supporting our veterans and their amazing families,” says Mary. The group welcomes anyone from the community who would like to get involved. “Anyone who would like to become a volunteer for the event or sponsor their own event can email the booster club,” says Mary. Efforts to begin social media pages are also in the works, and of course all are invited to attend the event at PTHS on Feb. 8, 2017. Match for a Marine is truly important to the PT wrestling program, Big Red Wrestling Boosters and the Peters Township community. “It’s just the right thing to do,” says Mary. “We are very lucky to have a volunteer military and veterans like Doug who have selflessly put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms. It is our hope that this event makes a difference and shows people like Doug and Alexis just how much we appreciate their sacrifice.” For more information or to become Doug and Alexis Vitale (center) pose involved with Match for a Marine, email with members of VFW Post 764. [email protected]. n Sergeant Doug Vitale has been the Honorary Captain at the past three Match for a Marine events. He was still undergoing rehabilitation when the first match was held. The PT wrestling team is 4-0 for the Match for Marine events, and are convinced that Vitale is their lucky charm! “IT’S IMPORTANT TO THE BIG RED WRESTLING BOOSTERS THAT THE YOUNG MEN ON THE WRESTLING TEAMS LEARN FIRST-HAND ABOUT HEROS LIKE DOUG, WHO DEFEND US, SACRIFICE FOR US AND STAND UP FOR US ALL AROUND THE WORLD SO THAT WE CAN ENJOY OUR LIVES AND FREEDOMS.” Peters Township | December 2016/January 2017 | icmags.com 81