Our community is truly fortunate to have the Watertown Wizards and their fans. On July 5, I had the honor of accepting a significant donation to the Northern New York - Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the United States Army's (AUSA) Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund. These funds were raised from an old-fashioned passing of the hat at several Wizard's games.

Their community spirit is unmatched in our area. In a short season, so many benefit from the numerous programs, activities and fundraisers the Wizards present — AUSA is just one of the many organizations.

I know that both the ballplayers and young ballpark workers come away from the season with a lot more than playing time and some money in their pockets because of the devotion to the community that Paul Simmons and the rest of the organization promotes.

Through their efforts the chapter will continue to support the needs of our fallen and wounded soldiers, particularly those who are recuperating at Walter Reed Medical Center. Although I'd prefer a world where there weren't fallen and wounded soldiers who need our help, it's good to know that there are people and organizations like the fans and the Wizards who are there in their time of need.

Maureen P. Cean

Adams Center

The writer is the president of the Northern New York Chapter of AUSA.