Sports

CVS, Boston Red Sox Honor Veterans with Memorable Fenway Park Experience

CVS Health Baseball Camp provided New England veterans with a home run experience as part of Military Appreciation Month

From CVS: CVS Health and the Boston Red Sox kicked off Memorial Day weekend early by recognizing veterans from across New England at Fenway Park today during the CVS Health Baseball Camp. The camp afforded nearly 20 veterans from Massachusetts and Rhode Island the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with Boston Red Sox hitting coaches and enjoy a day of activities at America’s Most Beloved Ballpark. The event marks the seventh year that CVS Health and the Boston Red Sox have partnered to host veterans for a CVS Health Baseball Camp.

U.S. Army veteran Bryan Laren of Bellingham takes a swing in the batting cage at Fenway Park with tips from Boston Red Sox Hitting Coach Chili Davis. Laren was one of nearly 20 veterans from across New England who participated in the camp, hosted by CVS Health in partnership with the Boston Red Sox on May 25. Photo credit: Constance Brown Photography

Veterans received batting tips from Boston Red Sox Hitting Coach Chili Davis and Assistant Hitting Coach Victor Rodriguez, took swings in the batting cages and enjoyed lunch in the stadium. Participants enjoyed exclusive access to the historic ballpark during a VIP tour and received tickets to the evening’s game against the Texas Rangers, courtesy of CVS Health. The camp was hosted by CVS Health as an extension of the company’s commitment to our nation’s military heroes.

Veterans from Massachusetts pose on the field at Fenway Park at the CVS Health Baseball Skills Camp for Veterans – a special event for veterans hosted by CVS Health in partnership with the Boston Red Sox. The camp afforded nearly 20 veterans from Massachusetts and Rhode Island the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with Boston Red Sox Hitting Coach Chili Davis and Assistant Hitting Coach Victor Rodriguez. Participants enjoyed an exclusive tour of the ballpark and received tickets to the evening’s game against the Texas Rangers, courtesy of CVS Health. Gathered on the field at Fenway Park, from left to right, are veterans from Massachusetts who participated in the event; Boston Red Sox Hitting Coach Chili Davis (middle left), Vice President of Workforce Strategies and Chief Diversity Officer for CVS Health David Casey (center) and Boston Red Sox Assistant Hitting Coach Victor Rodriguez (middle right). Photo credit: Constance Brown Photography

“May is Military Appreciation Month so it is a privilege to bring our nation’s heroes to Fenway Park and provide them an exclusive day of skills, activities and entertainment with the Boston Red Sox,” said David Casey, vice president of workforce strategies and chief diversity officer for CVS Health. “This event is just one way that CVS Health honors our commitment to the men and women who serve our country, and we’re continually pursuing innovative ways to help the military community on their path to better health.”

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The veterans who attended the CVS Health Baseball Camp are from the Salute Military Golf Association of New England (SMGA) — a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the game of golf to post 9/11 veterans throughout New England as a form of mental and physical rehabilitation.

Boston Red Sox Hitting Coach Chili Davis (left) and U.S. Army veteran Bryan Laren of Bellingham pose in the batting cages at Fenway Park during the CVS Health Baseball Skills Camp for Veterans. Hosted by CVS Health in partnership with the Boston Red Sox, the camp afforded nearly 20 veterans from Massachusetts and Rhode Island the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with Boston Red Sox Hitting Coach Chili Davis and Assistant Hitting Coach Victor Rodriguez. Participants enjoyed an exclusive tour of the ballpark and received tickets to the evening’s game against the Texas Rangers, courtesy of CVS Health. Photo credit: Constance Brown Photography

“We’re extremely grateful for CVS Health and the Boston Red Sox for continuing this veterans-focused initiative for the seventh season,” said Jerry Shanahan, operations director of SMGA New England. “Our veterans couldn’t be more excited to experience Fenway Park like the major league players do, especially since many are lifelong Boston Red Sox Fans! These camps provide a fun, yet fulfilling, expression of gratitude for their sacrifices and, more broadly, honor the service of all veterans in this country.”

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CVS Health has a long history of providing charitable support to military and veteran-focused organizations, including the National Guard, Fisher House, Operation Military Embrace, Operation Homefront, Operation Reinvent and the USO. The company has also partnered with the nonprofit organization Golf For All on a series of golf clinics for veterans. The company’s colleague resource group – Valor – is comprised of colleagues with a passion to serve those who have served our country.

Photos courtesy of Constance Brown Photography

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