PLAYSOCCER Spring 2018
In honor of Memorial Day this month, we asked our social media fans to nominate veterans that continue to serve their community through volunteer positions in AYSO. Check out the submissions below!
Brian Blackmore
Submitted by Brooke Blackmore
Brian Blackmore is an Army veteran – he was a part of Operation Just Cause, which is the code name for the U.S. Invasion of Panama. He is a dedicated AYSO volunteer that has coached since Region 1641, located in Anza, California, was conceived in 2015. He is also a referee, beloved by the kids as well as the parents. His refereeing style is professional and very encouraging. During the first couple of games of the season, he will always take a few moments to explain a call when the kids have that bewildered look on their faces. He is available to parents and kids alike on and off the field.
Pablo Serrano
Submitted by Janeth Serrano
Having served in the early 90s through several military conflicts overseas, Pablo Serrano has been giving back to his community as a soccer coach and board member of Region 24, located in Downey, California, for more than 10 years. As a seasoned soccer player himself, he has a clear vision of the game, which gives him the ability to develop and coach players to bring out their best on the field. He looks forward to continuing his volunteering for AYSO and coaching his 4-year-old grandson on the pitch!
Joseph Rodriguez
Submitted by Kathyleen Nolasco
Joseph Rodriguez served in the U.S. Army, and he has been a volunteer for AYSO Region 82, located in Santa Paula, California, for the past 18 years as a board member, coach and referee. He has been such a wonderful asset to our Region.
Christian Vasquez, John Miranda and Jeremy Redding
Submitted by LaDonna Guzman
In AYSO Region 94, located in La Habra, California, we have three veteran coaches coaching our 12U boys team. From left to right in the photo, Christian Vasquez served from 2011 to 2014 in first Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment in the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg. Next, John Miranda was in the U.S. Marine Corps in 92-98. Lastly, Jeremy Redding was in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2006 to 2010. This 12U boys team in the photo won first in Region 94, first in Area 11e and third in SoCal Section finals.
Tom Severin
Submitted by Ed Bohrer
A former Vietnam veteran, Tom Severin is celebrating 30 years with AYSO. He is always there whenever you need him, he’s an asset to the Section and to AYSO, and he’s awesome with the kids!
Andy Massey
Submitted by Susan Pangborn
Andy has served our community in Region 715, located in East Providence, Rhode Island, and our nation. He is a marine, a husband, and a dad. Andy has taken the time from his busy life to volunteer to benefit the children of our community with his heart and soul. Andy has served on our board as the treasurer and as our referee director, and he has coached both boys and girls of all age groups. He does this all with a smile and a friendly approachable attitude.
George Robinson
Submitted by Becky Robinson
My husband, George Robinson, is a veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. He currently volunteers with AYSO Region 153, located in Tucson, Arizona, as an equipment manager. He tirelessly sets up all the fields in the fall, breaks them back down after games, and manages the equipment shed. Never playing a game in his life and only watching his daughters, George is a certified referee and is helping fill the referee void in our Region.
