360 WillieHorton COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS INC

Full Service Community Partnership Programs

“Cradle to Grave”
Many Hands, Light Work

Reference: Willie Horton Support to the Military - beyond the baseball fields

- Willie Horton has been a part of the Military, dating back to him touring with Bob Hope, OCONUS, in
Germany, Japan, and Korea.
- Mr. Horton continued to support the Military at Fort Dix, NJ (1988).
- Willie had been featured as guest speaker during Martin Luther King ceremony at Infantry Training
Brigade (ITB), Fort Benning, GA (1995). Always talking to inspire young soldiers.
- Willie, alone with former Detroit Tiger Edwin Jackson (a Military Brat himself), were instrumental in
starting/supporting the Troops at Fort Benning, GA, Columbus, GA., and Phoenix City, Al. (The Tri-City)
which started in 2009. While soldiers were deployed support the nation mission. He stated that “it’s the
least they can do while the men and women are doing their part for our country”.
- The baseball mini-clinic started at 75 participants, and has grown to over 450 participants, between the
ages of 6-13 years old.
- Willie decision to do the baseball mini-clinic in November, was particular due to the fact of Veteran’s Day
weekend.
- He also started the “Willie Horton and Detroit Tigers Support the Troops” with the annual Spring Training
trip every March to Lakeland, FL. Which includes soldiers and family of the Tri-City Community, this has
allowed soldiers and families to come and watch the Detroit Tigers. Majority of whom have never seen a
professional game, let alone grid and grin with Major League Players, this started in 2009.
- Horton was given the first recipient of the inaugural “Abner Doubleday Patriot Player” award on
November 2011 at the National Infantry Museum, in Fort Benning, GA. For his unwavering support of the
Military.
- Willie is no stranger to training, observing training with the soldiers of 198th BDE during his visits. Going
out to watch soldiers throw hand grenades, confident course, and weapon qualifications, just to name a
few. Willie, also find time to eat with the troops.
- His motto being “every kid matter”, putting smile on kids faces, and signing autographs.
- Willie has captured the heart of this community, with soldiers/families, asking each year when is Willie
coming back?
- During his visits, he’s take time out of his busy schedule to talk with upcoming and inspiring baseball
players. At Point University (West Point, GA.) and Columbus State University (Columbus, GA.).
- Mr. Horton has been label with the mottos of “If it’s too hard for you, it’s just right for me”, “Just Do It”,
and lastly “Always do the harder right, over the easier wrong”

Charlie Taylor 360 Exec President 863.808.7075 g_johnson@alpi.org www.wh360.org Clinton Glover 360 Marketing 863.838.4031 Clglover51@aol.com