Major Christina Helferich-Polosky to be Honored as Part of Dragons Veteran Salute Program on Sunday

DAYTON, Ohio -- CareSource Military & Veterans and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Army veteran Major Christina Helferich-Polosky with the Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 1:05 pm when the Dayton Dragons take on the Peoria Chiefs at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the fifth and final special Veteran Salute date of the 2025 season.

The Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service. Each honoree has their story shared in front of the crowd at Day Air Ballpark, followed by a standing ovation in appreciation of the veteran's hard work and dedication both in military and civilian accomplishments.

Major Christina Helferich-Polosky’s Story:

Retired Major Christina Helferich-Polosky, born and raised in Clayton, Ohio, comes from a proud line of female military veterans (grandmother, mother, and aunt). Helferich-Polosky earned an ROTC scholarship to Virginia Commonwealth University where she completed Bachelor’s degrees in history and political science alongside a Master’s of Teaching.

Commissioned in 1998 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps, Helferich-Polosky completed the Transportation Officer Basic Course at Fort Eustis, Virginia. She was then assigned to Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, where she served as S2, Platoon Leader, and Movement Control Team Commander in the 260th Quartermaster Battalion. After completing the Captain’s Career Course in 2002, Helferich-Polosky joined the 7th Transportation Group’s Operations HQ. In 2003, she deployed to Kuwait and Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom as Operations Officer and Night Battle Captain, where Helferich-Polosky was exposed to toxic burn pits. She returned early to command the 508th Medium Truck Company, 8th Transportation Brigade.

Later, Helferich-Polosky served as an Observer Controller with the Goldminer Team at Fort Irwin, California, and as a Strategic Communications Officer with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In 2008, she deployed to Afghanistan with CJTF-101, where she became injured and medically evacuated. Helferich-Polosky medically retired in 2009 as a Major, receiving numerous honors, including the Bronze Star and Transportation Officer of the Year.

Helferich-Polosky founded WoundedNotWorthless.com in 2018, an online art gallery that began as a personal healing outlet and now uplifts female veteran artists, encouraging resilience and creative expression. She is a Lifetime Member of MOAA, VFW Post #8252, Women Veterans Alliance, Disabled American Veterans, and more. Her artwork has been featured by UnitingUs.org, the Library of Congress, and the Military Women’s Memorial. In 2023, she was named DAR Pennsylvania State Outstanding Veteran Volunteer of the Year. She continues to serve and inspire through her art and advocacy, while cherishing time with her grandmother, parents, four sons, and daughter.

To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans, visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute.