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CLARION BASEBALL'S BILL HASSON HONORED AT PRE-GAME CEREMONIES

                (Clarion, Pa.):  Clarion University Athletics declared Friday, April 13, 2012 as William J. “Bill” Hasson Day in ceremonies honoring the 27-year old Franklin, Pa. native.

                Currently a junior, baseball player for the Golden Eagles, Hasson was presented with a proclamation from Clarion Athletic Director Dave Katis in pre-game ceremonies highlighting his nearly ten years of military service, two tours of Iraq, assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina and specifically for his “accomplishments and dedication to his community, Clarion University and America.”

                “Thank you,” said the extremely humble Hasson who was flanked by his parents Dave and Mary Hasson. “This is a very special day – one that I will never forget.” Not able to attend were his brother Jake and sisters Jacqueline and Christina.

                With both IUP and Clarion baseball teams lined up on the baselines, Clarion SID Rich Herman welcomed everyone to Memorial Stadium as the emcee, and then Katis read the proclamation declaring it William J. Hasson Day at Clarion University. The Clarion University ROTC presented the colors, prior to fraternity Phi Mu Alpha's singing of the national anthem, and then the ceremonies were concluded.

                “When I think of Bill Hasson, I think of a dedicated, hard working, unselfish player with unbelievable character and integrity who is willing to do anything he is asked to help our baseball team,” said Golden Eagle baseball coach Mike Brown.  “He lives his life the same way.”

                “We honor here today Bill Hasson – a hero right here in our midst – who has helped, like so many before him, provide the freedoms we enjoy and the privilege to play this baseball game,” said Katis. “ We sometimes take what he did in Iraq and Katrina for granted. This gives us a chance to say thank you and celebrate one of our own as a true American hero.”

                Hasson knew the military was for him during the close of Summer – 2001, prior to the start of his junior year at Franklin High School. “I just knew in my mind that joining the service was what I wanted to do,” said Hasson.

                Following the tragedy of 9-11, Hasson cemented the concept by enlisting in the Army Reserves, 298^th Transportation Company in Franklin on October 30. He did his basic training in the summer of 2002 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and advanced individual training in the summer of 2003.

                A 2003 Franklin high grad, who played three years of baseball under Harry Miller, while also earning 3 football, 1 wrestling and 1 basketball letter, Hasson turned his attention to the Army Reserves.

                After attending Thiel College for about seven weeks, Hasson received a call from the 630^th Transportation Company in Washington, Pa. that he was transferred there and about to receive additional training.

                In March 2004 he was deployed to Iraq as part of the transportation company, stationed in Balad, Iraq. His company provided supplies where they were needed, and of course, there were the I.E.D.'s (roadside bombs), that the company had to watch out for . Some days he was part of the delivery unit, some days he operated a 50-caliber gun that protected his convoy. His duties varied.

                Hasson's deployment concluded in March of 2005, and after returning to Franklin, transferred to the National Guard – Infantry, B-Company 1/112  out of Cambridge Springs, Pa.

                In September and October of 2005 he was deployed just North of New Orleans as part of the relief effort to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.  In January 2006 he enrolled at Penn State-Behrend, but knew another deployment was coming.

                After three months of special training on I.E.D. devices, Hasson was deployed again to Iraq from January 2009 through September of 2009. As a squad leader, he led road patrols identifying I.E.D.'s.

                Hasson wrote to baseball coach Mike Brown, while still in the service, looking for a chance to play baseball and complete his education. He decided on Clarion.

                “Coach Brown said he'd give me a chance to make the team, and with biology as my major and knowing Clarion had a strong academic program, I enrolled in the Spring term of 2010,” commented Hasson.

                Unable to play at Clarion in the Spring 2010 season due to transfer rules, Hasson played in 34 games and started 31 In 2011 Hasson at Clarion. Playing mostly outfield, he hit .220 (20 of 91) with four doubles, one home run and 9 rbi's.

                Thus far, in 2012, he has played in 30 games, started 25, and has moved his average up to .261 (24 of 92) with five doubles, two home runs and 12 rbi's, while playing third base and left and right field.

                “I've always been a competitor – with everything I do,” explained Hasson.  “I'm a firm believer in advanced preparedness, but also being flexible enough to change when that time comes as well.  With baseball, whatever coach needs me to do, that's what I'm going to do. I think its important for me to lead by example – that's really what I stand for.”

                Do you consider yourself a patriot he was asked? “I never thought about it that way,” was Hasson's answer. “I am proud that I served and I'd sign up all over again – even knowing what I know today,” he quickly responded. “What we have here in America is worth fighting for.”

                That's a Patriot!

                Congratulations Bill. Your service and leadership make us all proud.