Veteran Oliver Cross of Ambler launched his career in sports officiating with help from the local offshoot of the national nonprofit, Battlefields to Ballfields, which was started by Philadelphia veteran Jerry Davis, reports Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.
“Getting out of the Marine Corps can be challenging because you’re very used to a certain environment,” said Cross. “When I got out, there was kind of a vacuum that it creates. But I was at the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network meeting in Conshohocken, and Jerry gave a presentation on placing veterans in officiating, helping them get started.”
Davis has been involved in officiating since the late 1990s, when he first saw a newspaper ad looking for sports officials for children’s football games. He felt lost after completing his service, and this experience gave him a new sense of purpose. He calls the local branch of the nonprofit he runs Battlefields to Ballfields Officials Philly. He has since helped numerous veterans.
“I’ve spent a lot of time worrying about myself, what can I do to be a part of a team again,” said Cross. “So I reached out to [Davis] about it, and we’ve been working together ever since.”
Watch the entire segment highlighting Oliver Cross’ journey at 6abc.
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