GIVING THANKS
Young Americans too often come back from foreign wars with life-changing wounds. As we carry on with our lives, they struggle for the rest of theirs.
To help ease that struggle, the Fairfield Ludlowe High School boys & girls lacrosse programs are hosting the 19th Annual Sticks for Soldiers™ Thanksgiving Lacrosse Classic on Saturday November 29, 2025.
PLEASE JOIN US IN RAISING FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR THESE HEROIC AMERICANS.
In 2025, 30 boys and girls teams that included over 500 high school athletes raised over $95,000. In 19 years, over $1.3 million has been donated locally to wounded servicemen and their families.
THE POWER OF THIS TOURNAMENT GOES WELL BEYOND MUCH-NEEDED FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
It also raises awareness. All of us tend to forget. For high school athletes, the chance to compete and raise money for wounded men and women just a few years older than themselves is unforgettable.
PLEASE HELP US GIVE THANKS. To men and women who changed their lives to protect ours.
2026 HONOREE
U.S. AIR FORCE MASTER SERGEANT (RET) JOE DESLAURIES
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Master Sergeant Joseph Deslauriers enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1998 with a deep commitment to serving others. Originally pursuing a path toward firefighting, Joe instead entered the elite field of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), where he was tasked with locating, identifying, and neutralizing explosive threats in some of the world’s most dangerous combat environments. During his distinguished military career, he deployed multiple times in support of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Kosovo.
In September 2011, while conducting a post-blast investigation during combat operations in Afghanistan, Joe stepped on a secondary pressure-plate improvised explosive device hidden in terrain believed to be cleared. The devastating explosion resulted in the loss of both legs above the knee and his left arm, while also causing traumatic brain injury and PTSD. After being immediately evacuated back to the United States, Joe was met at the hospital by his wife, eight months pregnant at the time, as he began the long and difficult road to recovery and the physical and emotional challenges of rebuilding life after catastrophic combat injuries.
Today, Joe’s story stands as a powerful testament to courage, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity. His continued commitment to supporting and inspiring others embodies the very spirit of Sticks for Soldiers.
For his courageous service and sacrifice, Joe received numerous military commendations and honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and multiple campaign and combat service awards recognizing his leadership and bravery under extraordinary conditions.
MORE TO COME
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DONATE
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE,
AND YOU CAN HELP.
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This is an all-volunteer effort. If you are interested in additional information, to donate, become a sponsor, volunteer, or to secure a team spot in the next tournament, please contact Bob Vitale, President and Event Chairman at sticksforsoldiers@gmail.com.
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Donations may be sent to:
Sticks for Soldiers, Inc.
c/o Treasurer
PO Box 475
Fairfield, CT 06824-0475
Checks made payable to:
Sticks for Soldiers, Inc.
Memo note: 2024 S4S
Sticks for Soldiers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization recognized by the IRS.
EIN #: 46-0962202
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DONORS & SPONSORS
Sticks For Soldiers is a non-profit charity lacrosse tournament held in Fairfield, CT to raise money for wounded troops. The mission of the tournament is to provide support and give thanks to the service men and women who put their lives on the line and sacrificed for our country, while raising awareness among high school athletes to the sacrifices being made by people just a few years older than they are. The event and related fund-raising efforts has now raised over $1,200,000 in 17 years.