Vince Krajcir has fond memories of his time in the Navy especially playing USSSA softball in the 1980s when the league was in its heyday.

"In the 1980s, it was a powerful softball program," said Krajcir, USSSA Southeast Military Program Coordinator and Community Support Coordinator for Navy Information Operations Command Georgia.

Krajcir is working to build the program at Fort Gordon and is in the process of recruiting teams.

He has scheduled several major tournaments this season leading up to the world championships in Florida in August. Regional events include tournaments in Mayport, Fla. the weekend of April 18; tournaments in Augusta on May 9 and July 18 and one in Thomson June 20.

Petty Officer Shon O'Connell has played with several teams including the 2007 3rd place world champion finisher.

Since he's played on so many teams, O'Connell finds the world championship games to be a reunion of sorts.

"You meet a lot of friends who've moved overseas and you've lost contact with," he said. "It's a lot of fun."

There are different types of teams within the USSSA system. All of them are open to active duty military, but some are also open to civilians, contractors and dependents, according to Krajcir.

He said he'd also like to see more teams of females.

To learn more about the program, join a team or volunteer as a coach, call Krajcir at (410) 903-9423.