A Decade of Giving: Family of Brothers’ 10th Annual Toys for Tots Softball Tournament 

By Shea Hazel, J.D.

The November sun shines on Dunkirk Park, Calvert County, Maryland, where cheering spectators fill the bleachers, engulf the dugouts, and take shade in the trees. It isn’t just any day at the ballpark, rather it’s a high-energy, Toys for Tots Charity Fundraiser, led by a unique military softball team on a mission to strengthen community deliver hope to children at Christmastime.

It is my honor to share an incredible story of servicemembers, veterans, and retirees in the National Capital Region.

“Family of Brothers” (FOB) is a military, varsity-level softball team, active throughout the year. FOB leads an annual softball charity tournament, raising money for Toys for Tots.  FOB’s annual Toys for Tots Softball Tournament is a tradition that brings together athletes, families, and friends for a common cause. At its heart is the team’s desire to support children in need and give back to the community.

The Tournament

The tournament is not just a place for competition: it’s a gathering that builds connections and celebrates unity. Military spouse, Jannen Woodyard shared, “The tournaments get our softball community together… The guys love to help others. It’s too good not to support.” Her husband, one of FOB’s founding members and Umpire in Charge for the event, adds, “This is an amazing organization. One of our passions is providing extreme amount of joy to kids.”

Players from both the military and civilian communities love FOB events so much they bring their loved ones along, even on birthdays and anniversaries. “This community elects to play together. Members are grateful just to be a part of it”, stated Cortney Woodward, U.S. Army, Retired.

Over the past decade, Family of Brothers has raised over $72,500, welcomed more than 130 teams, and accumulated over 224 total hours spirited play. Christian Guzman, U.S. Navy, reflects, “The reason I do this is to give back to those who really need more. We’ve been blessed to be able to have the lives we have, and I love this. What we are doing for the kids is awesome.”

The Strategists

FOB is run by a core group known as “The Strategists”: Donald Carswell, U.S. Army Veteran; Christian Guzman, U.S. Navy; Linwood Nelson, Jr., U.S. Army, Retired; Adrian Ortiz, U.S. Air Force, Retired; Dominique Ortiz, U.S. Air Force; and, Courtney Woodyard, U.S. Army, Retired.

These individuals embody the heart of the organization and are well respected among the softball community.  

The Toys!

FOB’s dedication to Toys for Tots is unwavering. Every year, registrants bring toy donations, filling collection boxes throughout the tournament.

During the Veterans Day holiday, Strategists and their families gather to use cash donations in a shopping spree for the remaining toys, ensuring no child is left out. “It feels incredible to know we have veterans, active military members, and our family and friends supporting us in our collective efforts to give back to our community,” reflected Dominque Ortiz.

This year more than 16 boxes of toys were collected for Toys for Tots on site, plus cash donations, totaling over $12,000 worth of toys.

Get Involved

For those inspired to contribute, please follow this link to the Amazon Wishlist Calvert County Toys for Tots, created to help personalize holiday gifting. To learn more, sponsor, or otherwise get involved with Family of Brothers, please email marylandfob@gmail.com.

On behalf of Family of Brothers, thank you to everyone who has shared in this journey over the past ten years! Your support through time, donations, and fellowship, has transformed a simple pastime a beautiful community tradition with such a special mission.

On a personal note: Thank you, Family of Brothers! You set the example for helping to make this world a more magical and loving place – one person, one team, one mission can be game changing!