13th Army Band supports Wounded Warriors

The 13th Army Band, Florida National Guard participated in a soldier support mission for a unique softball tournament recently.

On the practice field they look like any other softball team, until you look more closely. Most players on the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team served in either Iraq or Afghanistan and each has a permanent reminder of his sacrifice.

"Our team is half Army, half Marines...they're just average guys learning to play [softball] with prosthetic limbs," says team coach David Van Sleet.

The team toured Florida in December, playing everywhere from the Florida panhandle to Miami. They play police softball teams, firemen, celebrities and community teams throughout the country. They even play against college teams, like the University of Miami.

While most players are missing part of a leg, some are double-amputees and one has even lost an arm. However, they don't let that slow them down.

“It’s one of the biggest honors of my life to take the field with these guys every day,” said shortstop Matt Kinsey who lost part of his right leg when he stepped on a landmine in Afghanistan.

The team tours the US raising awareness and support for veterans and veteran amputees.

The 13th Army Band played a pre-game ceremony and mini-concert celebrating all branches of the U.S. military.

The softball team played several games over the weekend and is looking forward to upcoming tournaments in Hawaii and New Orleans.