Former Moses Lake resident is 'Tribute for Heroes' finalist

MOSES LAKE - United States Marine Corps Sgt. Nick Kimmel has the chance to be recognized at the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game next month.

Kimmel is one of the San Diego Padres' three finalists for MLB and People magazine's "Tribute for Heroes" campaign, according to a Padres statement. The campaign is a national initiative that recognizes veterans and military service members.

There are three finalists for each MLB team. The candidate with the most online votes for his or her respective team will have the chance to attend and be recognized at the All-Star Game July 16 at Citi Field in New York.

One finalist will be featured in People magazine, according to the Tribute for Heroes website.

Kimmel, 23, is a 2008 Moses Lake High School graduate. He was injured while on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, according to a previous Columbia Basin Herald article.

Kimmel was helping build a guard post when he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device, resulting in the loss of both legs and an arm.

Since his injury, he has been rehabilitating at the Naval Regional Medical Center in San Diego.

According to the Padres statement, Kimmel was selected as a finalist because he inspires others not to give up when times are tough.

"Despite still being in recovery himself, Kimmel is known for offering support to others in physical rehab," read the release. "He has returned to his alma mater to talk to the high school drafting and welding classes about his high-tech X2 legs, as well as how he's able to weld, drive a car and even snowboard."

The news release also noted Kimmel's participation in charity 5k events, like the Navy's Coronado Bay Bridge Run last month.

To vote for Kimmel, go to www.tributeforheroes.com and click on the San Diego Padres logo.

According to the website, you can vote as many times as you want.

Voting closes on June 30.