Press Releases

11-18-2025

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Hosts Second Annual Milton CAT Military Appreciation Games

BUZZARDS BAY, MA, ISSUED NOVEMBER 18, 2025…Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), a top-ranked public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, hosted the Second Annual Milton CAT Military Appreciation Game on Saturday, November 8. 

Lieutenant Eric Holmes, MMA 2015, served as Honorary Captain for the Buccaneers football game against conference opponent Worcester State, continuing the Academy’s proud tradition of honoring alumni who serve.  Following his time at the Academy, Lieutenant Holmes began his career with Milton CAT, where he proudly serves as a field technician.  He also continues to serve as an Ordnance Officer in the Rhode Island Army National Guard.

The Academy entered into a multi-year agreement with Milton CAT in 2024, making the company one of the largest corporate sponsors of MMA’s Buccaneer Athletics. 

“We are honored to continue this tradition of showing our appreciation for our military in this way, and are so grateful to Milton CAT for sustaining this event,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “We thank Lieutenant Holmes and all of our military personnel and veterans for their service, dedication, and sacrifice.  I’m thankful for the opportunity this game presents for our community to come together in gratitude and celebration.”

ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY (MMA): 
MMA is a fully accredited, four-year, co-educational state university offering Bachelor and Master of Science degrees that are highly regarded in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond. For more than 100 years, MMA has prepared women and men for exciting and rewarding careers on land and sea. As the nation's finest co-ed maritime college, MMA challenges students to succeed by balancing a unique regimented lifestyle with a typical four-year college environment. Located on Cape Cod, at the mouth of the scenic Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is the ideal college to pursue the love for the ocean, concern for the environment, interest in math and science, and a thirst for adventure. Follow MMA on FB: @massmaritime, @MassMaritime.Advancement; IG: @massmaritime, @mmacademyalumni; Twitter:@MMAadmissions, @MMAcademyAlumni; YouTube: Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

ABOUT MILTON CAT:
Milton CAT is the source for Caterpillar machines, engines and generators in the Northeast. Family-owned since its start in 1960, the company has 16 facilities located throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and upstate New York. The company supports customers in many industries including site development, road and bridge work, marine, power generation, renewables and energy storage. Over 50 percent of the company’s 1,700 employees are focused on product support. More can be learned at www.miltoncat.com.

Lieutenant Eric Holmes (center), honorary captain for the Milton CAT Military Appreciation Game, flipping the coin at the start of the game.  Lieutenant Holmes was joined by (left to right) Referee Sean Burke; Maritime Football Captains Mac Kromenhoek (#98), TJ Jones (#0) and Eddie Barlage (#29); Worcester State Captain Griffin Metcalf (#9); Umpire Rashad Holman; and Worcester State Captain Aaron Becker (#99).