Photo by Scott Kindberg Vietnam veteran David Cobbe, center, is pictured with family members following a JV softball game at Ernie Strickland Field in Falconer on Friday.

FALCONER — David Cobbe spent Friday evening enjoying a Falconer junior varsity girls softball game at Ernie Strickland Field.

Later this week, the Jamestown resident and seven members of his family will be taking in a baseball game at arguably the most recognizable sporting venue in the world.

Yankee Stadium.

But their trip to the Big Apple is not just to watch the Bronx Bombers square off against the Los Angeles Angels. In fact, it has far more personal meaning to Cobbe, because the U.S. Army veteran will be honored during the seventh-inning stretch. During that break in the action he will be introduced over the public address system, and shown on the video board in center field and on the field.

The opportunity to become the Veteran of the Game was made possible when Arthur Johnston III, David’s son-in-law, contacted the Combat Wounded Veterans of America, which works in tandem with the Yankees to honor either active-duty members or veterans of any age or era who served in the military and were honorably discharged.

“We were watching the game (last season) and I heard one of the announcers say the Combat Wounded Veterans of America. I did a Google search on that,” Johnston said. “Once I found the website, I just reached out via email.”

Johnston had to provide information to confirm that David, who served in Vietnam from 1969-71, was indeed a veteran. By February, David learned he would be the Yankees’ guest on May 26.

“We couldn’t believe it,” said Connie Cobbe, David’s wife.

David, 68, said he’s been a fan of the Yankees “forever,” and his favorite player was Derek Jeter, followed closely by Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Don Mattingly.

“This is going to be fun,” he said. “I just want to meet some of the (current) players, if it’s possible.”

If not, David has another plan.

“I figure I’m going to go out and buy some heavy-cleated boots, so when I’m on home base, I’m just going to take a whole bunch of (the dirt) with me,” he joked.

Although there will be eight family members at the game, only three will be permitted to accompany David on the field.

Asked who will get that honor, David said he hadn’t yet decided.

One thing that is certain, though, is how he feels about the Yankees honoring active duty and retired military members each game.

“It’s a very good thing they’re doing,” he said.