ABOUT
My Story
Hello! My name is Chris Markey and I’m a proud retired veteran of the United States Air Force. I served as a combat medic and completed 10 assignments over 23 years. I had a fantastic career and enjoyed being stationed at overseas locations in Germany, England, Turkey, Korea, Guam, and Japan. During my career, sports were a HUGE part of my work-life balance. I played basketball, volleyball, flag football, tennis, golf and of course, my favorite sport, slow-pitch softball! I was even lucky enough to be selected to the All-Air Force Men’s Softball Team 8 times, winning five gold medals at the Armed Forces Softball Championships.
Sports and athletic programs are a huge part of the morale, welfare, and recreation of our military service members and their families. Sports not only keep our service members physically fit, but they provide a critical outlet to the stress and rigors of military life.
When I began my military career in the early 1990s, these programs were always fully funded by the Department of Defense. But as my career progressed and the years went on, I began to see these programs face serious, but necessary budget cuts. By the time I retired from active duty in 2014, these programs received little to zero funding, and it remains that way today.
This is why I’ve established the Military Sports Foundation!
We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving our active duty service members, veterans, and their families. Our mission is to revitalize military sports through private funding, so our military community can continue to participate in these sports and athletics programs, with minimal out-of-pocket cost. If you know anything about military life, then you’ll know our service members don’t earn huge salaries. Having these vital programs remain available to them without being a large financial burden, is just a small gesture of gratitude for their service and sacrifice to our great nation. One more way we can say ‘Thank You’ for all they do to keep us safe and protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans!
The Mission
“Service and Support Through Sports”
Provide funding for military sports and athletic programs to enhance the morale, welfare, and recreation for our active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
Support Our Team
Please help us by donating. We have an annual goal to raise $20 million dollars. Whether you decide to pledge $1 or $1 million, we are grateful and appreciative of your support! Your donations will help to offset the significant costs of things like team uniforms, equipment, tournament registration fees, and travel and lodging costs. These are hefty expenses that add up quickly.
Board of Directors
Service and Support Through Sports
Please help us by donating. We have an annual goal to raise $20 million dollars. Whether you decide to pledge $1 or $1 million, we are grateful and appreciative of your support!
Your donations will help to offset the significant costs of things like team uniforms, equipment, tournament registration fees, and travel and lodging costs. These are hefty expenses that add up quickly.