Guns Defeat Hoses, Event Supports RARA

A large number of spectators came out in the heat to watch the inaugural Guns & Hoses Softball Games for local first responders last Wednesday night at Virginia Military Institute’s newly renovated Lamore Field at Gray-Minor Stadium. The event raised about $1,000 and 356 pounds of donated food for the Rockbridge Area Relief Association, a nonprofit organization in Lexington that provides temporary assistance to families in times of need. The Guns, comprised of local police officers and members of the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, won both games against the Hoses, comprised of members of the local fire departments. Throwing out the first pitch of the first game was Jamaal Walton (bottom right photo), VMI’s new director of intercollegiate athletics. The VMI Police Department sponsored the event, with VMI 1st Sgt. Seth Clark spearheading the effort. Clark, who estimated there were about 250 spectators, each donating $5 or a canned food donation to watch the game, said he and others involved in organizing the event will meet with some of the higher-ups at VMI, with the hopes of having this event again next year. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)