In making the announcement, Sen. Johnson said, “Mr. Lucroy, the all-star catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers,has become a hero to Wisconsin sports fans with his excellent performance on the field. But to me, he is an even bigger hero off the field. He is using his baseball fame to highlight some great Wisconsin charities.”
The release listed these charitable endeavors of Lucroy:
* He supports initiatives to support the finest among us, the Americans who have served in the armed forces, by supporting Fisher House Wisconsin, planned as a “home away from home” for the families of veterans receiving care at the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee.
* He invites wounded heroes to Brewers games and meets with them, and he visits veterans hospitals in Wisconsin, in St. Louis, in Washington and on road trips.
* He regularly visits patients at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.
* He traveled with veterans in November on an Honor Flight to visit the World War II and Korean War memorials in Washington.
* He has provided $5,000 scholarships to military families.
* Donated $10,000 to Open Arms Home for Children in South Africa.
* He has served as a spokesman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Muscle Walk and the Brewers Community Foundation Drive for Charity. He has recorded public service announcements for the Brewers Community Foundation’s 5K Famous Racing Sausages Run Walk on behalf of the Fisher House.
* He works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and with the Miracle League of Milwaukee, which provides opportunities for all children to play organized baseball, regardless of ability.
In a statement, Lucroy said, “I am honored that Senator Johnson has asked me to be his guest at the State of the Union. We both share a passion for veterans and serving those who serve us, and I am looking forward to the privilege of being in our nation’s Capital for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Added Sen Johnson: “The president inspired millions when he spoke of Americans of differing opinions coming together for the common good. Nearly two centuries ago, Alexis de Tocqueville was astonished at the way Americans came together voluntarily to solve problems left to the state or aristocrats in other countries. Mr. Lucroy’s charitable service illustrates these ideals by shining a light on the good work Wisconsinites are doing for their communities. It is an honor to in turn honor Mr. Lucroy.”