HOULTON, Maine — The annual Aaron Henderson Memorial Softball tournament and 5K road race return for their fifth year of honoring the Hodgdon soldier who lost his life.
The softball tournament is organized by Brad Fredericks, a close friend of Henderson’s, with all proceeds from the tournament going to the Wounded Warrior Project in Henderson’s name.
Henderson, a sergeant first class in the Army and a Special Forces soldier from Hodgdon, was killed by an improvised explosive device in October, 2012 while serving his country in Afghanistan.
This year the 13-team tournament hopes to draw a large number of spectators. Last year’s inaugural event was a smashing success, with the Maine Merchants crowned champions at the end of the three days.
Softball action begins Friday Aug. 4, at 6 p.m. with three games slated. On Saturday, Aug. 5, an opening ceremony takes place at 8:30 a.m. followed by a full slate of games until 8 p.m. The action resumes Sunday, Aug. 6, at 8:30 a.m. with the championship held some time that afternoon.
As a co-ed tournament, each team must play with a minimum of three women on the field. Games typically last about an hour, Fredericks said.
Fredericks said he organizes the tournament each summer to honor his friend and former teammate. Henderson was a member of the Shea D. Lane team along with Fredericks and many others.
A large, patriotic trophy stays on permanent display at the John Millar Civic Center.
The SFC Aaron Henderson Memorial Run takes off Saturday, Aug. 5, at 9 a.m. at the Houlton Community Park. All proceeds will go to the Green Beret Foundation.
This 5-kilometer race will be a cross country style event, which is the Houlton High School and GHCA cross country course. This course can be muddy and contains some rough terrain, tree roots across parts of the trail, cross a small river bed, and fields.
The first 100 participants will receive a free t-shirt.
In addition to the two events, a large raffle is also being held with prizes ranging from firearms to gift certificates to a remote car starter and movie passes.
As a member of the Class of 1997, this summer would have been Henderson’s 20th class reunion.
“It doesn’t get any easier,” Fredericks said. “As soon as the opening ceremony begins, Scott Sjoberg is my go-to guy to read the notes. If I had to do it, I would be a wreck.”
