The story of Captain John "Bag" Hefti continues to inspire. From local news coverage to community celebrations, see how Virginia Beach remembers Bag.
Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, officially dedicates the 40,000-square-foot John "Bag" Hefti Global LVC Operations Center at NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex. Over 250 attendees including the Hefti family, Representative Jen Kiggans, and military leaders witnessed the ceremony, complete with an F/A-18 flyover.
Read the full storyThe Great Neck Baseball League held a ceremony honoring Captain John "Bag" Hefti, bringing together players, families, and coaches who were touched by his years of volunteer coaching. The community celebrated his legacy and the announcement of the Bag's Buddies scholarship fund.
Watch on WTKR News 3Eight months after losing their beloved coach, a Virginia Beach youth baseball team won their tournament championship. The players dedicated their victory to Coach Hefti, carrying his motto "Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team" onto the field every game.
Watch on WTKR News 3Just weeks after Bag's passing, the Hefti family announced the creation of the Captain John "Bag" Hefti Memorial Scholarship Foundation. This coverage captured the early days of Bag's Buddies and the family's determination to turn grief into something lasting.
Watch on WTKR News 3Tyler, a wrestler from First Colonial High School, became one of the first recipients of the Bag Hefti Scholarship. This feature highlighted how Bag's values of excellence, leadership, and selfless service live on through the next generation of Virginia Beach student-athletes.
Watch on WTKR News 3 — Positively Hampton RoadsCoverage of the Bag's Buddies annual gala, Bag's Big Bash, where the community came together to raise over $170,000 for the scholarship fund. The story showcased the growing impact of the foundation and the outpouring of community support.
Watch on WTKR News 3
On May 14, 2024, the U.S. Navy dedicated a 40,000-square-foot training facility at NAS Oceana in Bag's honor — with an F/A-18 flyover, 250+ attendees, and the Hefti family cutting the ribbon.
Read the full storyWere you coached by Bag? Served with him? Have memories to share? We'd love to hear from you.
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