Henry “Sarge” Powell Honored

Receives MD AAU’s first “Overcoming Adversity” Award

We have all faced adversity in one form or another. No matter the age, gender, economic status or race, during our circle of life, we will have many meetings with adversity. Sometimes the severity of our adversity rocks the very foundation of our lives. It will test our courage, our character, our mental and physical toughness, our determination, and our faith.

Often the fight to overcome adversity is not ours alone. Our family and community help us to get through it. Now on the other side of adversity, we can get stuck in “why me” or we can pick ourselves up and get back into the race of life and make or continue to make a contribution.

One of those very special individuals who got back in the race is Benjamin DuBose, AAU’s Maryland District Governor. In 2014 Benjamin contracted prostate cancer. Cancer delivered him a devastating blow, but with a boat load of courage, an unshakable faith and a team of skilled physicians,

Ben fought to live. Though he was quite ill, Ben continued to lead the effort to provide sports programs to the youth of Maryland. Ben continues in his role as Governor and today lives cancer free. So, to honor Ben’s courage, determination, gallant fight, and his contribution to his community, the Maryland AAU established the Benjamin F. DuBose Overcoming Adversity Award.
The Overcoming Adversity award in presented annually to two kids between the ages of 8 and 18 and one adult who has demonstrated integrity, courage, and determination in overcoming adversity after which he or she has contributed to their community.

This award focuses on victims of an organic illness, an impairing physical injury or a severe life circumstance.The award also includes a two year membership to AAU, an AAU gold medal, a recognition award and an invitation to AAU’s annual banquet.

There was a single recipient of the award at the annual banquet, which was held Sunday, November 8, 2014 at Martin’s East to honor athletes, coaches and supporters. The recipient was Henry “Sarge” Powell. After coaching 10 year old kids for 40 years, in 2000 Henry contracted prostate cancer. After overcoming the shock of it all, and 6 months of treatment and recuperation, doctors declared Henry cancer free.

Sarge returned to work at the Internal Revenue Service and coaching. Life was good until a visit to his doctor in 2008 revealed a tumor that turned out to be colon cancer.

Sarge discontinued coaching for 8 months while recuperating. He was again declared cancer free. Following advance radiology in April 2015 Sarge continues to live cancer free and continues to coach for the Madison Buccaneers.