Homers for heroes

Columbia College proudly hosted "Homers for Heroes,"...

...a softball game between members of the Columbia Fire Department and of both KOMU TV 8 and the radio station Y107, played on the Cougar Softball Field on the Columbia College campus the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10.

The newsies beat the firefighters 9-5.

Eric Blumberg, KOMU sports reporter and anchor, had a great night, going 3-3 with two doubles and two runs scored.

All ticket sales benefitted the mid-Missouri chapter of the Honor Flight Network. This nonprofit organization allows veterans, especially the dwindling number of World War II veterans, to visit their monument in Washington, D.C. absolutely free of charge. KOMU anchor Sarah Hill reported on her blog that the game raised another $1,200 for the Honor Flight.

KOMU also broadcasted its 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. news from the field as the Cougars softball team practiced. The crowd also chowed down on complimentary hot dogs, popcorn and soda.

Columbia College has consistently lent its athletic facilities to worthy causes. In January, the college hosted "Guns and Hoses," a Columbia police vs. fire department basketball game. The police trounced the firemen 45-29 in that game for a year's worth of bragging rights.

Numerous Columbia College faculty and staff currently volunteer for the Honor Flight, including several whose fathers – and one mother – served in the European Theater of World War II.