On April 21, 2007, the inaugural Hero’s Lacrosse Tournament was held in honor of Army Specialist Thomas “TJ” Barbieri II.  SPC Barbieri lost his life during a firefight in Iraq while courageously saving his brothers in arms. T.J. was a funny, artistic, determined and loving person to all who knew him, who died a noble and heroic man doing what he had always wanted.  For his actions while serving, T.J. has been awarded with a Purple Heart, as well as the distinguished Bronze and Silver Stars.

The goal of the inaugural tournament was to endow a handcrank racing bike to the Achilles Track Club Freedom Team. The bike has been made available to wounded soldiers in their rehabilitation process. The Achilles Freedom Team, spearheaded by Genna Griffith, work with soldiers that were wounded in action from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Money raised from the tournament also went to the 82nd Airborne Division liaison at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to purchase two laptop computers for wounded soldiers to use during their stay at Walter Reed.

The tournament also honors those who have risked, and sacrificed much to keep us free.  In addition, money was raised to aid veterans’ associations that work with wounded vets.

T.J.’s parents, Carol and Tom, have been devoted members of the Catholic University community.  Tom is currently an assistant coach for the Cardinal football team and their son Matt, one of T.J.’s three brothers, is a midfielder on the lacrosse squad. After the conclusion of the inaugural Hero’s Tournament, Matt said the following:

“I was not only honored that the tournament was held in my brother’s name, but humbled by the hard work and dedication Coach Singer and the CUA team put into the event. My family and I thank the sponsors and the community for the support that made this day a resounding success.”  -Matt Barbieri

The racing cycle was on display at the tournament, along with antique fire trucks from the Rockville Fire Department, which T.J. was a volunteer for. There was also a BBQ held next to the field giving lacrosse fans an opportunity to meet servicemen from T.J.’s unit, as well as members of the Achilles Freedom Team.