Carolyn Dorin-Ballard had just put the finishing touches on her PBA Women’s Series Cheetah Championship at AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, N.Y. the first thing she did after congratulating her opponent was to look directly into the ESPN camera and emotionally thank U.S. veterans and current military personnel for their service on an important date in history.

CDB’s victory came on December 7th, the 67th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Carolyn also mentioned that her father had served in the American military during World War II. It was very fitting that all of this occurred inside one of the most unique bowling venues in America.

Visitors to AMF Thruway Lanes (or just The Thruway Lanes as the locals call it still today) pass by a Navy and Army recruiting station located directly inside the main entrance. An Army logoed bowling ball and a pair of Army boots are featured in a display case next to a recruiting poster. For as long as most folks can remember it has always been this way at THE center of Cheektowaga.

We are thankful for many things as the Holiday season approaches. Among them are family, friends and the ability to participate in the greatest participation sport of them all, bowling. Bowlers have long supported the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) which funds a variety of recreational programs for America’s active duty military personnel, reservists and veterans.

PBA bowlers with distinguished military service include Hall-of-Famer Johnny Petraglia (Army) and current exempt player Mitch Beasley (Air Force). The PBA traveling staff also features veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.

It was touching to see Carolyn Dorin-Ballard’s reaction immediately following her victory. For me it was a great reminder to be thankful to all of America’s military personnel who have given so much so that we can all enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.