(Picture L to R: Joe DeRing, Ryan Barkas Jr., Ryan Barkas)
At Sprowls Horizon Sports Park, service isn’t just something we talk about – it’s part of our everyday mission. This Veteran’s Day, as we celebrate all who have served, we’re proud to honor some of our incredible teammates who once served our country and now serve the Pinellas Park community through their work at Sprowls Horizon Sports Park.
Joe DeRing – U.S. Army
DeRing is the Vice President of Venue Management at the Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), the management and operations partner for Horizon Sports Park. DeRing served in Army from 2000-08 as an infantry officer, platoon leader, and company commander. He was based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky in the 101st Airborne Division, and was deployed to the Middle East multiple times during his service.
“Service is a part of my everyday life,” he said. “My time in the Army was so formative. The lessons I learned, experiences, and the people I served with made such an impact on my life, and even 20 years later, I use those lessons and think about those people I served with daily. Service is just a way of life – it’s who I am. Whether it’s service to our nation, our team here in the office, or the Pinellas Park community, it’s all about helping others, connecting people, and providing opportunities. I want kids to play on better fields than I was ever able to, parents to coach their kids on better fields than they had, and I think that’s what we’ve provided here.”
Ryan Barkas – U.S. Marines
Barkas is the on-site Superintendent from Parks & Eleazer Construction. He served in the Marines from 1996-2002 and was a member of the Fourth AAV (Amphibious Assault Vehicle) Unit in Tampa. The U.S. Marines celebrated their 250th birthday on Monday (1775-2025).
“Veterans Day stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform, and the value they bring to society beyond their service.”
Ryan Barkas Jr. – U.S. Marines
Barkas Jr. joined the Parks & Eleazer Construction team on Monday to work alongside his father on the build of Horizon Sports Park. He served in the Marines from 2021-25, when his appointment ended just last week. Barkas Jr. was a heavy equipment mechanic in the Second Maintenance Battalion.
“My time in the Marine Corps shaped me in ways I’ll carry for life. The Marine Corps is now a special bond that my father and I share.”
Mike Lodes (not pictured) – U.S. Army
Lodes is the Director of Information Technology at SFC. He served in the Military Police during his time in the Army from 1990-96. His son, Josh, is the Regional Finance Accountant at SFC for Horizon Sports Park. The Lodes Family has a long history of military service.
Josh’s grandfather/Mike’s father served in the Army as Military Police during the Vietnam War. Josh’s grandfather (Slentz), his father, and his twin brother, from his mother’s side, served as helicopter pilots in the Army, and the Navy, respectively. Josh’s great-grandfather/Mike’s grandfather was in the Army Air Corps when it became the Air Force. Josh’s other great-grandfather/Mike’s other grandfather served in the Navy during WWII. Josh’s mom’s grandfather (Gerrity) was a colonel in the Army during the Korean War. Josh’s cousin is currently a warrant officer and drone pilot in the Army, and his uncle served in the Air Force.
As we celebrate Veterans Day, we’re reminded that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. The same commitment that led our team members to protect our nation now drives them to strengthen our community. SFC’s mission is to improve the health and economic vitality of the communities it serves – and we’re honored to have these veterans as part of the Sprowls Horizon Sports Park family.
(Kenneth Slentz (far left standing) & Kendal Slentz (far right standing) – photo provided by the Lodes Family.)