STUDIO CITY—Eight veterans will be throwing the first ceremonial pitch at this coming Los Angeles Dodgers-Miami Marlins game hosted in Dodger stadium. It was made possible by aid provided by The SoldierCare project located in Studio City.

The SoldierCare project is a non-profit organization that describes itself as a non-denominational and non-political affiliation humanitarian outreach program dedicated to supporting and mentoring wounded veterans. This project is associated with community outreach efforts done by St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church located in Studio City.

Part of their mission statement describes that, “The conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have produced more amputee and brain-injured veterans than in any other wars. Multiple tours of duty have led to huge PTSD and emotional issues. A welcome home is only the first step, and SoldierCare is there to walk the rest of the journey with them.”

The group of eight include U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Praxedes of Covina who served in Afghanistan. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cynthia Garcia of La Puente will be honored as military hero of the game. Sgt. Garcia enlisted in 2014 and deployed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in a West Pacific tour as a motor transportation operator, conducting numerous security and re-supply convoys, all supporting the air combat element and infantry battalions.

A presentation of fireworks will be accompanied by music to Saturday’s 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing which is scheduled to follow the game. The anniversary marked at Saturday’s game by retired U.S. Air Force Col. Terry Virts who will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch. Virts was an astronaut on Space Shuttle missions in 2010 and 2014 through 2015.

The SoldierCare project was founded as a grassroots support for wounded and PTSD veterans, with an emphasis on letting the veteran determine the conversation through the power of being present. The organization host veterans from area hospitals and across the country who have suffered limb loss, burns, PTSD for get together experiences in the Los Angeles area.

They are a local organization located in Studio City on 3436 Coldwater Canyon Avenue. For more details call (818) 984-3322 or email soldiercareprojectdr@gmail.com.