Last week, your Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, kicked off the annual S.L.A.M. (Supporting Local Admirable Missions) Week to shine a spotlight on incredible organizations in the greater Trenton community. The first night was dedicated to our nation's military heroes with a special ceremony for the POW/MIA Chair of Honor, alongside Rolling Thunder Inc.
Before the game, your Thunder welcomed members of Rolling Thunder, Inc., a nonprofit that works to raise awareness about the thousands of American service members who are still unaccounted for. The sound of their motorcycles filled the ballpark as they completed a ceremonial lap around the warning track—a powerful tribute to those who have yet to return home.
The highlight of the evening was a heartfelt rededication ceremony for the POW/MIA Chair of Honor inside Trenton Thunder Ballpark. This chair isn't just a seat; it's a powerful symbol of the Trenton Thunder's commitment to remember American prisoners of war and those missing in action. It stands as a perpetual reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by service members who have not returned, highlighting the cost of freedom. The chair is deliberately left empty, representing the absence of those who are missing or captured.
Stephen and Elizabeth Bodnar were featured during the ceremony. The Bodnar family has a deeply personal connection to this mission, as Elizabeth’s brother, Corporal Norbert Hurt, was listed as missing in action in Korea in 1950. His remains were not recovered until 2014, finally allowing him to be laid to rest with his family by his side. It was a moving moment as the Bodnars unveiled the rededicated chair, a tribute to Corporal Hurt and the more than 82,000 service members who have been unaccounted for since World War II.
This ceremony reminds all of the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by the military.
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About the Trenton Thunder
The Trenton Thunder welcomed their 11 Millionth fan during the 2025 season with 30 million people living within a 20 mile radius of the ballpark. Your Thunder have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success (given by Baseball America). The team has given back over $9.8 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through the Grand Slam We Care Foundation.
About Rolling Thunder®, Inc.:
The major function of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is to publicize the POW-MIA issue: To educate the public that many American Prisoners of War were left behind after all previous wars and to help correct the past and to protect future Veterans from being left behind should they become Prisoners of War-Missing In Action. Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is also committed to helping American Veterans from all wars.
