For those of you that don't live around South Bend, you may not know the story of Silver Hawks Team President Joe Kernan. And for those of you that do live here, this will serve as a great refresher on a true local hero.
Joe played college baseball at Notre Dame, and then served the USA in Vietnam. While there, Joe's plane was shot down and he was held as a Prisoner of War for 11 months.
Upon returning, Joe embarked on a lengthy career in politics, serving as South Bend's mayor and working his way up to Governor of Indiana.
When the Silver Hawks were in danger of leaving South Bend a few years ago, Joe stepped in with a group of investors and bought the team, ensuring that baseball would remain in northern Indiana.
Regardless of your political affiliation, one thing we can all agree on is that Joe is a local hero and served this country admirably during Vietnam. For the first time since being a POW, Joe returned to Vietnam last week in what has to be an incredibly emotional journey.
WSBT did a lengthy interview with Joe and his wife Maggie before he left, which you can find here. Beginning March 1st, there will be a series of reports on WSBT (and I assume WSBT.com) about Joe's trip back to Vietnam for the first time in 37 years.
If you get the time, I recommend you check out these stories. Many of you have commented about how you see Joe out and about at the stadium, sitting to watch the games and shaking hands with fans all around the ballpark. These stories and reports will give you an idea of how blessed Michiana is to have Joe and his wife Maggie as a part of this community.
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