(Additional photograph below.)
Haverhill’s Donald R. Jarvis, injured in Afghanistan while serving with the U.S. Army, was the recipient of the Red Sox’s “Hats Off to Heroes” program on opening day Friday.
Jarvis, who became Billerica’s director of veterans services in 2022, was nominated by a Billerica veteran who thanked Jarvis for helping with benefits. Jarvis wore a Pedro Martínez number 45 shirt Friday at Fenway Park as an announcer over the loudspeaker cited his heroism.
“In Afghanistan, his vehicle was struck by a 250-pound explosive that put him in Fort Belvoir Community Hospital for six months. For his bravery, he received the Combat Action Badge, the Army Commendation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, and for his injuries, he was awarded the Purple Heart,” the announcer said in part.
The Red Sox sets time aside during every home game for the Hats Off to Heroes program, presented by MassMutual with “an in-game recognition of a member of the armed forces, community leader or social activists.”
Jarvis stood on the field waving as video of him appeared on large screens. He was presented with a Red Sox challenge coin and a used game ball from one of the umpires.
“It felt like a dream. Stepping on the turf at Fenway is surreal and takes over you. You freeze, and the atmosphere hits you,” Jarvis posted on social media.
U.S. Navy Veteran and Veterans of Foreign Wars Lorraine Post 29 past Post Commander Keith Gopsill was in attendance for the game. He said of Jarvis, “He is the most qualified person I know to deserve that honor!”
Jarvis was serving as a U.S. Army Specialist when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device struck. As WHAV reported, he was presented with the Purple Heart during an August 2021 ceremony at Haverhill’s Grand Army of the Republic Park.
Donald R. Jarvis at Fenway Park hold a baseball from a past Red Sox game. (Mike Jarvis photograph for WHAV News.)