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Kewanee baseball tournament memorializes fallen soldier

On Saturday, May 30, the first annual Sgt. Schuyler Patch Memorial Day Tournament honored one fallen soldier who gave his all. Sgt. Schuyler Patch served in the...

On Saturday, May 30, the first annual Sgt. Schuyler Patch Memorial Day Tournament honored one fallen soldier who gave his all.

Sgt. Schuyler Patch served in the Illinois National Guard. He was killed in Afghanistan in the line of duty on February 24th, 2009.

Since then, his sister, Amber Patch-Troxwell has dedicated much of her life to making sure others don't forget her brother's service.

"[Today] is the greatest feeling for [our family] because we know he's never going to be forgotten," Patch-Troxwell said.

Sgt. Patch played baseball for Wethersfield High School and was a die-hard Cubs fan. He wore the number 31, which his nephew now wears on the field.

"Our whole family, we just loved baseball, it brought us all together," Patch-Troxwell said.

Proceeds from the tournament will go towards Patchy's Red, White, and Blue Christmas Toy Drive, as well as the Wounded Warrior Project.

Veterans at the tournament Saturday said events like these are humbling.

"It's an honor to be a part of something so big," said Will Bruno, a Marine and Kewanne Heat baseball coach. "[Amber] does so much for the Wounded Warriors, and for the needy children at Christmas time. She has the Patchy's Toy Drive at Christmas time. She's just unbelievable."

A donation stand was also set up to benefit Ty Sanford, a young boy with terminal brain cancer. To donate, click here.

The tournament will continue on Sunday, May 24th.

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