MacDill firefighters host charity softball tourney for cancer victim

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tania Reid
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
The MacDill firefighter's association and the Men's Varsity softball team donated $1,700 to retired civilian firefighter Andy Bernt, after a softball tournament, May 24. 

More than 400 servicemembers and their families came out to show their support for the former MacDill firefighter. Additionally, on and off base agencies competed in friendly softball games to raise donations to help pay for Mr. Bernt's cancer treatments. The 6th Air Mobility Wing provided the food and services at the softball game. 

Mr. Bernt is a retired civilian firefighter who worked at MacDill teaching, volunteering and mentoring those around him. He was an active duty member from 1980-1985, a reservist from 1985-1988, civil service time 1988-2006, a Fire instructor at Hillsborough Community College, as well as a Reserve Deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. 

He was also an avid sportsman playing on the Men's Varsity Team for 10 years. Then he was diagnosed with a form of cancer called non Hodgkin's Lymphoma which confined him to a wheelchair. 

"I've been at MacDill for 18 years and I've done everything from teaching CPR classes to EMT," he said. "I taught the base populace CPR and 300 security force members on hazardous material awareness." 

He was diagnosed December 2005 with stage four of the Hodgkin's lymphoma, this was the last stage. They gave him six months to a year to live. Along with the cancer he developed transverse myelitis which left him partially paralyzed. At present he is in remission from the disease. 

One night he went to bed and woke up the next day and was unable to move his legs. The cancer brought on the myelitis which left him paralyzed, he said. "The doctors said if it wasn't for my size I probably wouldn't be here but my size saved me." 

Tech. Sgt. Michael Kellebrew, 6th Civil Engineer Service firefighter association president remembers working with Mr. Brent. 

"We've all worked with Andy," he said. "We knew about the cancer and wanted to help him and his family for their contributions. The association came together and decided we'd have a softball fundraiser to help him with his treatment." 

Many squadrons participated to help and were very supportive of the benefit. 

"The softball game was planned to be a week before but we had to schedule it when he was available to attend," said Staff Sgt. Khalil Davis, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter.
He plays professional softball with the wheelchaired Devil Rays, who travel around the country.
I used to play on the softball team here all the time, added Mr. Bernt. He said it's his pleasure being at MacDill and working with the people he met. 

His daughter, son and wife were also in attendance supporting their father at the fundraiser. 

Mr. Bernt works out regularly at the gym, building his upper body strength and keeping active. He enjoys playing softball with his team and working toward a bachelor's degree. 

He lives life to the fullest, teaching, volunteering and giving to anyone in need despite his situation, Andy is a great person, he has a kind heart and he is respected and loved, said Sergeant Kellebrew. Everyone who came out to participate knew him and wishes him the best.