World Series ‘trash Talk’ = Pride for Family Members’ Achievements
By Sgt. Whitney Houston, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Over the past couple of weeks, two Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, both of whom serve on the same personal security detachment team, vicariously went head-to-head through their family members, who competed in the Little League World Series held in Williamsport, Va.
In one corner of this rooting challenge is Sgt. 1st Class William Miller, who serves as the PSD platoon sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, cheers for his 12-year-old stepson, Jordan Ulep, who represents Hawaii’s Waipio Bulls.
In the other corner is his friendly rival, Spc. Manuel Menendez, a native of Tampa, Fla., who is rooting for his cousin, Danoi Lestra, who plays for Citrus Park Little League, representing Florida and the Southeastern United States.
Naturally,trash talk has flowed abundantly over the past few days.
“Florida is going to get stomped. That’s all I have to say: Go Waipio Bulls,” declared Miller.
“That’s no ‘gonna’ happen,” Menendez responded. “You know Tampa will win.”
The Waipio Bulls beat Citrus Park Little League in an earlier game in the tournament, however, Citrus Park has persevered and now anticipates another chance to tame the Bulls if both teams win their next games.
“His son won the first game,” said Menendez, continuing the trash talk, “but we'll meet again next week in the final game – and you know Tampa will come out victorious.”
Ultimately, Miller was able to claim top bragging rights as Hawaii’s Waipio Bulls scored four fourth-inning runs to erase a two-run deficit, then pulled away for a 10-2 victory.
Both MND-B Soldiers are very proud of their family representatives and their displays of talent.
“I’m very proud of Danoi,” said Menendez. “He is representing the family very well as a little athlete. He’s the kind of son I would want to have.”
Miller, too, if very proud of his son’s accomplishments and exhibited awe for his son’s team.
“I knew they were good, but I didn’t know they were ‘that’ good,” he said. “I’m very proud of my son. I can’t even put it into words – I’m so proud. I wish I were there to see him play.”
Although Miller and Menendez are team rivals, their effort on the same PSD team plays an important roll in protecting their leaders on the battlefield of Iraq.
“I would say that my platoon is responsible for the two most important people in the brigade,” said Miller.
Miller and Menendez provide protection for Col. Todd McCaffrey, their brigade commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Karl Morgan, Miller, the brigade’s senior enlisted leader.
“We do everything from A to Z: planning routes, logistics, and security, ensuring their safety,” Said Miller.
This harmless “trash talk” between Miller and Menendez has provided them a “speak about”’ and links them together through the excellent performances of their young families.
While serving together in the operational environment of Iraq, their actions also provide their families back home a unique bond through the traditional American game of baseball.
For Miller, his bragging right grew exponentially when Jordan’s Waipio Bulls trounced the team from Matamoros, Mexico, 12-3 to win the Little League World Series championship in South Williamsport, Pa. Their victory marked the second time a team from Hawaii earned the title since 2005.
