BVL National has developed a special BVL “Brand” logo for State and Local USBC Associations to illustrate their support for BVL National efforts, including the tours of “Re-Creation,” the six national veterans special events, “Welcome Home” events at Bethesda Naval/Walter Reed, and the annual BVL/VA Bowling tournament (now in its 66^th year). 

The logos have been distributed to top BVL state and local USBC supporters for the 2010-2011 BVL fiscal year – including California, Virginia and Florida; Minneapolis, Greater Seattle and Greater Charlotte.  The graphic features the name of the state or local association incorporated with the BVL logo.

“Through this new logo concept, we want to recognize those associations that exemplify the value of BVL teamwork,” explains BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker.  “We cannot support the myriad activities we conduct on a national level without the express backing of our local and state associations.  Additionally, we can’t provide the grants to local VA Hospitals, State Homes and Vet Centers without the same local and state funding.”

Continues Baker, “Many of our contributors want to direct their donations toward specific facilities or programs, which we are happy to do.  However, they also recognize the value of the national efforts which can only be achieved by working together; this logo will represent their commitment to both the local and national BVL efforts.”

Greater Minneapolis USBC is an example of this spirit of giving.  For the past several years, they have made the largest local association donation to BVL.   They request that the majority of their funding be designated for Minneapolis area VA facilities.  “We know that our bowlers want to support our area veterans, so we work with BVL National to see that the grants for our area facilities are sent to our offices,” says Minneapolis BVL Chair Butch Kesller.  “Then our representatives fan out around the VA Hospital and State Homes to present the check personally.” 

“We also know that our contributions help support “Re-Creation” and other BVL programs which our hospitals really enjoy, so together, we can make sure these programs continue,” adds Kesller.

Greater Richmond USBC Hosts “Welcome Home: We Salute You” Bowling Party at Bethesda Naval Medical Center

For many returning service men and women, their first stop on home soil is Bethesda Naval Medical Center. There, they receive the care and treatment necessary to help them overcome their injuries. But days of doctors appointments and therapies can get get pretty boring. Through BVL’s “We Salute You” bowling events, our recoving service men and women can get out of their routines and have some fun bowling.

This was Greater Richmond USBC’s second time to host, and the response from the attendees was just as enthusiastic as the first. More than 20 service men and women arrived at the center ready to try America’s favorite sport. The center was decorated with balloons and signs and the music was on.   After the shoes and balls were selected and the balls started rolling, the lunch menu came out. Participants were treated to a variety of foods and drink.

For many of the attendees it was their first time bowling with prosthetics, so were was an adjustment period, but all had a great time.

The afternoon was a perfect 300 for the bowlers. Some of the responses were:

“I enjoyed today, I had tons of fun… it was a blast!” — Mark (Army) OIF/OEF

It was my first time wheelchair bowling, the ramps were awesome and I had a great time.” –Josh (Marines) Afghanistan

“The whole event was fantastic, thank you!” — KC (Marines) OIF

“Today was fun and encouraging, because I like seeing that I can still do everything I did before.” — Jacob (Marines) Afghanistan

“Bowling was great. I hope you guys do this again.” — Devin (Army) OIF/OEF

And when the bowling was over, all attendees received a special BVL gift package — a backpack filled with treats, BVL playing cards, and a BVL T-Shirt with the phrase “Bowling Supports America’s Troops.” Thanks to the Greater Richmond USBC, we stand by that motto.

If your organization would like to host a party, please contact the BVL offices for more information.