Nov. 22, the Reading Royals hosted Veteran’s Appreciation Game Day at the Santander Arena, Reading.
Honored for the day was decorated veteran retired 1st Sgt. Harry J. Heater, a U.S. Army Combat Medic who served from 1945 -1969 in WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam and had been shot down three times.
This medic, having finally won his battle to get helicopters for the newly formed 1/8 Calvary was headed to Nam. He requested Pentagon orders to serve on the frontlines. His challenge to save more men with those choppers. Now those with legs injuries would no longer have to be dragged through the jungle on his back.
A father of five and grandfather of eight, married 50 years to the late Helen Heater, he remembers and continues to write war poems, speak publicly and visit American Legion Post 537 in Morgantown weekly. Each year carrying his fallen men’s names he visits ‘The Wall’ in D.C. with his son Sgt. 1st Class Army Keith Heater (retired).
His son said, “A member of the Jumping Mustangs, his Vietnam Unit, Dad attends annual reunions with these veterans. These guys LOVE him, many served with him. They treat him as the highlight of the reunions.” His poems can be found on their website: jumpingmustangs.com/poems.html
The Royals reached out to the surrounding community to select the honoree.
“After reading Heater’s stories and poems in the Tri County Record and knowing he served in three wars he was our pick,” said Mark Wallace Royal’s Sales Manager.
Over 6,000 fans were present as the excitement grew. The first game was Army vs. Navy. Army won 8-2 defeating Navy and received the Royal Cup for Saturday’s win in the ACHA game.
Pre-game Sgt. Heater mixed with the Army and Navy cadets and spoke with West Point English and Philosophy Instructor Major Kevin Schieman. Both had served in the 8th Calvary.
“What a great opportunity for these cadets to meet a soldier like Sgt. Heater. His service in three wars teaches them about courage and love of country,” said Major Schieman.
At 7 p.m. the Reading Royals vs. Indy Fuel game opened with The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the singing of the National Anthem by the Governor Mifflin Middle School Chorus.
The game started~ quickly turning into a whirlwind with the ice sizzling as Indy was making goals with Royals on the fighting end of the score.
“We sat right beside the ice near the goalie and saw every goal scored. Players were slamming the sides and fighting to win. Seats don’t get much better than that. My family and friends surprised me with 18 showing up,” said Heater.
During halftime Wallace introduced some military who played several games on the ice to win prize money (donated by community businesses) for veteran charities as the Royals Mascot took over the floor.
Back to the game and the Royals were still down by three going into the second intermission, score 0-3.
Then Mark Wallace introduced Sgt. Heater, “This Airborne and Air Mobile Combat Medic is proudly accompanied by his son, Sgt. 1st Class (Retired) Keith Heater, a Veteran of Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Kosovo, and also with him is his Son-in-Law, Chief Warrant Officer Rod Becker, also a Veteran of Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and is still actively serving with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.”
The Ceremony began with Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” while a slideshow of Harry’s photos from all three wars streamed on the overhead screen. The crowd was on their feet cheering and clapping. Beaming, Harry saluted then waved his hat to the fans as the camera rolled.
The third period was magic. Maybe catching a little bit of Heater’s luck the Royals came fighting back scoring two goals as the crowd went wild.
Louder! Louder! With minutes on the clock they scored their final goals. The Score 4-3 flashed on the board! The crowd was stunned. A comeback win for the Royals.
“Mr. Heater is a great gentleman. He was engaging, yet humble. At the conclusion of the ceremony you could see the emotion and appreciation on his face for the audience’s applause,” said Wallace.
His youngest daughter, April Becker said, “What a joy to be there at the arena and see all the fans and players cheering and appreciating my Dad. Thanks is not enough to say to express the gratitude that I have for the Reading Royals and all the Royal’s Fans for honoring my Dad, a local Veteran and a true Hero.”
His son, Keith Heater, US Army Retired said, “When I first joined the Service, my Dad said to me to always remember, ‘There’s a Right Way, A Wrong Way, and The Army Way’ and he was right.”
Heater’s youngest grandson, Kyle Heater said it all, “Wow! That was awesome. Pop was so proud and we are so proud of him. From the moment we got there at the rink, he was treated like a Rock Star. And the best part was, right after the entire crowd cheered for Pop, the Royals got all pumped up and scored 2 huge goals to pull out a come from behind win. Great game and a great time honoring Pop.”
