Popcorn helps connection pop between team, veterans

MIDDLEBORO —  A fund-raiser to sell popcorn created a tasty opportunity for area young people and veterans to interact.

The Apponequet High School football team recently sold gourmet popcorn for a fund-raiser. 

One purchaser, who wished to remain anonymous, bought 30 bags and requested that they be donated to local veterans. Trevor Norton Sr., whose son and namesake plays on the team, reached out to Lakeville Veterans Agent Will Corey to determine the best way to distribute the popcorn.

Corey put Norton in touch with Dick Tinkham, the veterans’ liason for the Middleboro Lodge of Elks. Tinkham invited team members to attend the Elks veterans luncheon Sept. 15.

Team members Jayden Nuon, Sean Lundrigan, and Trevor Norton along with their coach, Zane Fyfe, and Athletic Director Jim Cabucio attended the luncheon. 

The team members handed out the popcorn to the veterans in attendance before lunch was served. Then the Apponequet group was invited to stay for lunch.

The football players reported that they had a good time getting to know some of the veterans and learning of their experiences, according to information provided by former Middleboro Veterans Agent Paul Provencher. 

Michelle Hamilton, a veteran herself, and the president of Rolling Thunder Massachusetts Chapter 2, attended the luncheon along with a few other military veteran members of her club. 

She presented the three football players with individual Rolling Thunder challenge coins. Challenge coins are given out by certain organizations to recognize individuals that went above and beyond what’s expected of them.