Henderson Memorial softball tourney raises $6,100 for Wounded Warriors

When a family loses a loved one, they are only as strong as their faith and support system. Both of those characteristics played out last Saturday on a very muddy field.
The second annual Aaron Henderson Memorial Softball Tournament was played despite the drizzling rain and slick, mucky field conditions. Yet, everyone participating could hear Aaron’s words of “Let’s do this.”
The tournament raised $6,100 for the Wounded Warrior Project.
In battle, this Hodgdon soldier trudged through rugged terrain and his friends were not going to do any less in his memory.
Scott Sjoberg opened the tournament by saying, “Mother Nature is playing a little trick on us, but despite that, we are going to accomplish what we set out to do, by enjoying each other’s company, sharing stories, laughs and great memories to celebrate our dear friend.”
Sjoberg and Henderson joined the military together and were close buddies.
“Aaron was simply the best,” said Sjoberg. “He was the best friend you could ever have. He cared about you and he made you feel like you were important even though he accomplished more than most anyone would be willing to try. He is missed. He is loved. He is honored.”
U.S. Marine Corps Major David J. Cote, founder of the Summit Project, was invited to share a few words at the opening ceremony and to throw out the first pitch. Cote addressed Henderson’s mother, Christine, “while we are profoundly thankful for Aaron’s gift and sacrifice to this nation, we are equally thankful for your sacrifice, Christine,” he said. “With the same honor we give to Aaron, we honor your courage, bravery and willingness to be part of something greater.”
Cote then turned his attention to Brad Fredericks, organizer of the event. He said Fredericks could be described as determined.
“It is determination that you used to organize, plan, advertise and execute this event,” said Cote. “From social media to corporate sponsors, you left no stone unturned. I commend you and respect your determination to get to this day.”
Through the Summit Project, stories of the nation’s fallen heroes echo through valleys, resound on mountain tops, settle in hearts and are etched in memories.
Cote met Henderson’s mother at the Run for the Fallen and discussed the mission of the Summit Project.
“I think with a little skepticism, she promised to bring a stone to the run in Portland,” recalled Cote. “One that day, almost a year ago, Christine handed me a stone that came from the seven-generation Henderson family farm.
“Christine told me that the boys spent hours on those fields,” he added. “The boys were a fun-loving group, each with their own personality. I can only imagine the adventures they had together while growing up on that farm.”
Cote, who has talked with many families over the course of the year, had no idea that the stone with Henderson’s initials, rank, birth date and death date would impact so many others.
As Cote spoke, Fredericks held the stone in his hands so those in attendance could see it.
“Like being drawn to Aaron, others would be drawn to his memorial stone,” Cote said. “I had no idea that this stone, along with the memory of her son would be carried on treks across the world — all for the purpose of honoring Aaron.”
Henderson’s stone has been carried by the Marine Corps League honor guard in Bangor’s Veterans Day parade; rucked by a platoon of Army soldiers through the Maine Marathon in Portland; escorted by the Patriot Riders to Arlington National Cemetery last April; and by a complete stranger, now a family friend, to the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest.
“I think Aaron would have liked a project like the Summit Project,” said Cote. “I think our hope is to carry this stone through the weekend, but collectively, carry Aaron’s story for a lifetime.”
Sgt. First Class Aaron Henderson died Oct. 2, 2012 at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan as a result of an improvised explosive device (IED). He was a 1997 Hodgdon High School graduate and joined the U.S. Army in 2000. Henderson served a very distinguished career and became a very highly decorated soldier. He served in units to include overseas assignments in Japan, Iraq, Jordan and Afghanistan.
Henderson attained the status of a Green Beret.
“He wore his uniform proudly and lived a life of honor and courage,” said Cote.
Cote noted the softball tournament was a metaphor for life and symbolized why everyone gathered.
“Let’s appreciate that life is all about teamwork and serving a higher calling,” he said. “Success depends on teamwork, discipline and preparation. We must embrace the idea that not everything is in our control. We should not dwell on the past, but instead, let it motivate our future … and, the game is not over until the very last out. Until then, anything is possible, so never give up.
“Aaron was an individual who lived these life lessons,” Cote added. “Perhaps he first learned them on the baseball diamond as a youth, but they were certainly reinforced by an amazing family and then shared with others during his extraordinary career in the U.S. Army.”
To close, Cote summed up the meaning of a fallen hero.
“I am confident that with humility, compassion and determination, we can all continue the unfinished work of all our fallen heroes toward creating a safer, sounder and a more just America … our challenge is to live lives worthy of their sacrifices.”