Bears Military Jerseys Mean More Than a Jersey to Some

HERSHEY, PA – Casey Wellman stands with Penny Whary as they have their photo taken together after the Bears jersey auction on Sunday night (Kyle Mace / Sweetest Hockey on Earth)

It’s Veterans Day and nearly all of us have a family member or know someone who has served or is currently serving in the military. It is a special day to recognize those who have served our country.

Sunday night, the Hershey Bears did their part to honor Veterans, with a jersey auction that meant more to some than just a collectible. The Bears wore green camouflage jerseys that were auctioned for Hershey Bears charities, after the game. Typical of a Bears jersey auction, thousands of dollars were raised, but for some, these jerseys are priceless.

Lebanon’s Penny Whary had a very special reason for purchasing Casey Wellman’s jersey. “My brother was killed in Honduras as a member of the Air National Guard so it’s pretty important to me.” Penny’s brother, Ricky Yingst, died in 1992 while serving with the 193rd Special Operations Group. “It was a very nice night. I also work for the VA, so it’s important.”

Others like Myerstown’s Spencer Schladbich made a winning bid on Tomas Kundratek’s jersey. Spencer liked the style and look of the jerseys, but there was another reason for his purchase “My grandfather serves in the reserves so it’s important to me to support them.”

Members of the Hershey Fire Department were on hand to hold a large American flag during the playing of the National Anthem before the Bears took on Binghamton Sunday night.

The Bears also held their annual Seats for Soldiers and Veterans night, which provided free tickets for selected members of the military and their families.