From his wheelchair near third base at UCLA’s Jackie Robinson Stadium, Devin Sessom surveyed the pristine grass field and the tree-lined outfield, with the Bel Air hills just visible in the background.
This is, without a doubt, a special place for Vietnam veterans.
“I think for all the veterans who’ve had the chance to come here and catch a game, it really is one of the best things that’s happened to us. That’s my therapy,” Sessom shared with the California Post.
Sessom is among numerous U.S. military veterans who regularly attend UCLA’s home games, finding comfort in the ambiance and acceptance from the team.
Yet, there’s uncertainty about whether they can keep coming after this season.
Last December, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision compelling the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to construct over 2,500 housing units on its West Los Angeles campus, where the stadium is situated.
Some of that housing would encroach on the stadium’s parking area.
UCLA was granted a temporary extension to use the stadium until the 2026 season, but the future of the venue remains uncertain.
“Right now, it’s all in the hands of the lawyers, so you kind of wonder, what’s next?” Bill McGaughey, a Vietnam veteran, remarked.
McGaughey is one of those who wishes to continue his association with the Bruins. He often walks over to the stadium from his home on the Virginia campus several times a month during the season, appreciating the sense of community.
“Just being around people—that’s really what it’s about,” he mentioned. “Everyone’s having a good time here.”
UCLA acknowledges its veterans at every game. The public address announcer invites them to stand for recognition. Admission is free, as are hot dogs. There are also weekly barbecues featuring a spread that includes tri-tip, chicken, baked beans, and potato salad.
One veteran, identifying himself only as David, shared that UCLA has also provided medical assistance. When asked about coping with his post-traumatic stress disorder, he noted that a few hours of Bruins baseball is the best remedy.
“When you walk into this stadium, it’s just about the players and the field, so the past fades away,” said David.
Recently, a veteran threw the ceremonial first pitch. During a game against top-ranked Minnesota, Bruins players made their way into the stands to meet veterans and express gratitude for their service.
“We love our veterans,” UCLA coach John Savage emphasized. “So we thought it would be a great idea for the players to go out and say hello to them. It’s a significant bond we share, and they do so much for us and our country.”
Support isn’t universal, though.
McGaughey mentioned that sometimes a veteran stands outside the stadium with a bullhorn, shouting profanities, and there have been small disturbances.
“Some veterans aren’t fond of it and they even mock them,” Sessom noted. “But you know what? This is my therapy. I come here, play games, and just enjoy myself.”
Next to Sessom, Theodore Smith, another veteran, added, “They care about us, they feed us, and they appreciate our presence here. We want to be here.”
Robert McCrary, a former Army Ranger with seven deployments starting with the 1983 Grenada invasion, shared his love for the experience in a glowing Yelp review.
“At every game, they express gratitude towards us for our contributions to this country. Their kindness truly means a lot,” McCrary wrote.
This kind of appreciation has kept Army veteran William Flores returning to Jackie Robinson Stadium for nearly two decades.
“Every time I show up, I greet the players, and they greet me back,” Flores shared. “It feels like we share a bond. I can’t bear the thought of this coming to an end. I just don’t see how they could take UCLA away; they’re part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, right?”
