Camouflage Jersey Fundraiser this Saturday, November 9, 2013



Matthew D. Mason, Chief Petty Officer
United States Navy

 The B2R wanted to remind everybody to attend this Saturday's (November 9) Texas Hold'em fundraising card tournament at the Maryville Country Club, 25867 Icon Road, Maryville.  Registration starts at 5pm.  Tournament starts at 6pm.  Player buy-in cost is $40.  Cash prizes for the top six finishers.  Refreshments will be provided and a cash bar will be available.

The B2R's goal is to raise funds to purchase camouflage jerseys to pay tribute to the US Armed Forces in honor of the late Matt Mason, Navy SEAL, NWMSU alumnus and Bearcat Baseball player.  The Northwest Baseball Coaches support this initiative and agreed to wear the special camouflage jerseys during a game in every weekend series this upcoming NCAA season.

Matthew D. Mason graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in geography.  He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1999 and completed SEAL training two years later and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

In 2004, Mason was seriously wounded during the second battle for Fallujah, Iraq, and underwent an extensive rehabilitation.  Upon the completion of his rehabilitation, he requested a return to active duty in a combat zone.  During his military career, Matt was repeatedly recognized for valor and received the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, a Joint Service Commendation, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Combat Action ribbons, two Presidential Unit citations and numerous other honors.

Matt was killed in 2011 in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.  The Chinook helicopter was hit August 6 by a rocket-propelled grenade.  All 30 Americans and eight Afghans on board were killed.

May God bless Matt Mason, his family and friends, and the Servicemen and Servicewomen of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.