Military & Veterans

Cardinals and Ashley Furniture HomeStore launch Salute to Military Program

April 9, 2013

Springfield, MO – The Springfield Cardinals, Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, are proud to partner with Ashley Furniture HomeStore to launch the Salute to Military Program, recognizing military personnel for their service throughout the 2013 season.

The Salute to Military Program will shine the spotlight on military personnel who have demonstrated outstanding military and community service and support for other veterans. Active and retired personnel must be nominated for the Salute to Military Program. One active or retired military member per game will then be selected to receive four tickets in the front row next to the home dugout and take part in an in-game recognition of their service, courtesy of Ashley Furniture HomeStore.

To nominate an active or retired member of the military for the Cardinals and Ashley Furniture HomeStore Salute to Military Program, please fill out a nomination form and submit it to the Cardinals by mail (955 E. Trafficway, Springfield, MO 65802), fax (417-863-0388), or at home games. Nomination forms may also be picked up at Ashley Furniture HomeStore or emailed to Coordinator of Fan Interaction Faith Lorhan at florhan@cardinals.com.

Click here to download a Salute to Military Nomination Form.

The Hammons Field Home Opener is just two days away on Thursday, April 11, and will feature the Great Southern Bank Magnet Schedule Giveaway (5,000 fans), the AM Pyrotechnics Fireworks Kick-Off Show and will be a Johnsonville “Buck a Brat” Night with bratwursts for just a buck! First Pitch is 7:09 p.m. against Corpus Christi with gates opening at 6:09 p.m.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, ordering the new Friday, Saturday, and Promo Items Packs (only 100 available), the custom-designed Championship Packs (only 100 available) or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-0395 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.

Click here for more information on Cardinals Ticket Options.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Springfield Cardinals. Click here to view the original story.

E-Z-GO, GreenJackets Recognize Local Military Members

April 3, 2013

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Even in their 25th year of baseball, the Augusta GreenJackets are continuing some of their greatest traditions. The GreenJackets are teaming up with E-Z-GO once again to bring back their Salute Our Soldiers program for the 2013 season.

“E-Z-GO is excited to partner again with the Augusta GreenJackets to honor our local military families for the sacrifices they make to preserve our freedom,” E-Z-GO President Kevin Holleran said. “We hope that this program, in some small way, helps ease the burden that our service members, veterans and their families bear in our nation’s time of need.”

Salute Our Soldiers is a program designed to recognize local military members and their families, while thanking them for all the sacrifices they make for our nation. At all 70 home games, E-Z-GO and the GreenJackets will select a local military family to honor. That family will receive free box seats, food vouchers and a gift certificate to use in the gift shop.

In the middle of the fifth inning, the selected military member and family will be recognized by the crowd for their dedication to protecting and serving our nation.

“In 2012, E-Z-GO really helped Salute Our Soldiers be a great way to show our appreciation for local military members and their families,” Augusta GreenJackets general manager Bob Flannery said. “We’re all excited to provide local military members with a fun night at Lake Olmstead Stadium.”

E-Z-GO and the GreenJackets will work with local military officials and service organizations to identify participating families. For more information on Salute Our Soliders or to nominate a military member or family, contact Katie Agostin at (706) 736-7889 or email her at kagostin@greenjacketsbaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Augusta GreenJackets. Click here to view the original story.

Express to Honor Military on Opening Day with “Operation: Military Kids”

April 1, 2013

Children of Military Parents to Line Infield During Opening Ceremonies

ROUND ROCK, Texas – Opening Day in baseball is a time to celebrate America’s pastime and with that, the chance to honor the soldiers and their families that protect our freedom. The Round Rock Express is proud to salute our military and their families on Opening Day, Thursday, April 4 with “Operation: Military Kids.”

Potomac Nationals Team Up with the U.S. Army to Hire Veterans

March 29, 2013

Pilot program captained by Army Chief of Staff, Ray Odierno, will facilitate the hiring of U.S. Army Soldiers

Woodbridge, VA- Minor League Baseball’s Carolina League and the Potomac Nationals are joining the U.S. Army in launching a pilot program focused on hiring U.S. Army Soldiers transitioning to civilian careers, veterans and their families for the 2013 baseball season.

This initiative has stemmed directly from one of the Army Chief of Staff, General Ray Odierno’s top priorities of assisting soldiers transitioning from the Army, as well as Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers in finding jobs.

“We must do our utmost to ensure that the Soldiers leaving the force are treated fairly and that they and their families are provided with support to help them successfully transition to civilian life,” said Odierno.

This task falls directly to the U.S. Army Transition Strategic Outreach (TSO) and U.S. Army Reserve Employer Partnership Office (EPO), whose main mission is to provide civilian organizations Soldiers and veterans with proven leadership skills, work well as a member of the team, possess skills that allow them to efficiently perform under stress and solve problems while adapting to change.

The pilot program will begin with Northern Virginia’s Potomac Nationals and, if successful, will expand to the other Carolina League teams throughout the season.

“Those of us who have been in baseball a long time know the value of veterans as employees, and we are happy to share this experience with our fans and business partners. We are very proud that our Potomac club and the Army have taken this step, and I expect to be taking this initiative league-wide in the near future,” said John Hopkins, Carolina League President.

The pilot program will be announced during the Potomac Nationals’ season opener against the Lynchburg Hillcats (Atlanta Braves) on Friday, April 5^th where they will recognize the first veteran of the program to be hired, Retired Army Sergeant Arthur Bouvier IV. He will be given the honor of throwing out the first pitch and will be joined by officials from the Potomac Nationals and U.S. Army on field. Additionally, fans attending the game will be treated to the U.S. Army’s Fife and Drum Corps prior to the game for a special performance in honor of this initiative.

“The Potomac Nationals are proud to be a part of this effort with the U.S. Army, and look forward to working with the great men and woman who have served our country with such pride, integrity and leadership. These are important qualities to the Potomac Nationals’ organization and we look forward to a great season,” says Potomac Nationals Vice President/General Manager, Josh Olerud.

This new relationship between the U.S. Army, Potomac Nationals and the Carolina League is a part of an ongoing Army commitment to connect with the community, and to successfully reintegrate Soldiers, veterans and their families into civilian life.

About The U.S. Army Transition Strategic Outreach Office: The TSO is the primary conduit for Employers and Industry to access the Army Talent Pipeline. Our staff of strategically-focused professionals serves as the Army’s preferred point-of-contact for Businesses and Hiring Managers – thereby facilitating the connection between transitioning Soldiers and potential job opportunities. We help Employers “navigate” the Army’s reintegration network by developing lasting Industry relationships. This targeted effort then builds the foundation for numerous long-term, value-added partnerships between Businesses and the Army. For more information visit: www.hrc.army.mil/tagd/ArmyTalentPipeline.

About the Employer Partnership Office: The Army Reserve Employer Partnership program launched in 2008 with a mission to connect military-friendly civilian organizations that have employment opportunities to reserve or veteran status job seekers. There are currently has more than 3,700 Employer Partners with the Army Reserve across industries such as law enforcement, medical, and transportation and more than 45,000 job seekers registered with the Employer Partnership Office. For more information visit, www.employerpartnership.org.

About the Carolina League: Founded during World War II, the Carolina League’s inaugural 1945 season featured two Southside Virginia cites. But throughout the 1940s and ’50s it was known as a predominately North Carolina League. Over its first 65 years, the Carolina League has established itself as one of baseball’s premier Minor Leagues, a circuit renowned for hot prospects, intense rivalries, memorable pennant races and excellent play. The league has fielded anywhere from four to 12 teams, in places ranging from metropolitan centers to tiny Red Springs, N.C., with only 4,000 people. For more information visit, www.milb.com.

The Potomac Nationals Professional Baseball Club is the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals and competes in the Carolina League. P-Nats 2013 season tickets and mini plans are on sale now. Renew your season tickets at Pfitzner Stadium for only $50 per seat. Sponsorship opportunities for the ’13 season are now available. Plan your corporate outing now in preparation for next season as the P-Nats offer discounted group rates and all-inclusive picnic options. Visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com or call the ticket office at 703-590-2311 for more!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Potomac Nationals. Click here to view the original story.

We Salute to Military Personnel All Season at The Joe

March 28, 2013

Club Offers $5 Tickets to Current and Past Military Personnel All Season

CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston RiverDogs will be offering military personnel $5 tickets all season at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park thanks to General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection. Plus, the club has planned several Military Appreciation Nights and military-themed promotions throughout the season.

–RIVERDOGS–

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charleston RiverDogs. Click here to view the original story.

San Jose Giants to Host Salute to the Military Day

March 25, 2013

Operation: Care and Comfort and BAE Systems partner with San Jose Giants to Honor the Troops

SAN JOSE, CA- On Sunday, April 14, the San Jose Giants will bring patriotism to Municipal Stadium for the second annual Salute to the Military Day, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort along with BAE Systems. All fans showing a military ID at the Municipal Stadium Box Office will receive FREE admission to that day’s 1:00 PM game against the Visalia Rawhide.

“We are very excited to again be hosting Salute to the Military Day with Operation: Care and Comfort and BAE Systems,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “The military holds a special place in the heart of our community and we are honored to dedicate this game to the men and women that serve our country.”

The entire afternoon will honor the brave men and women defending our country as the team will wear special military themed jerseys. These jerseys will be part of an in-game silent auction directly benefitting Operation: Care and Comfort. Each of the highest bidders will be able to go on the field following the game and receive their new autographed jersey right off the respective San Jose Giant’s back. The pregame festivities will include a first pitch ceremony, color guard presentation and other presentations.

“Operation: Care and Comfort is so proud to renew our partnership with the San Jose Giants and BAE Systems to honor our troops, veterans and their families,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder. “We received a tremendous response during last year’s inaugural event and hope to have troops, veterans and their families from across Northern California excited about coming out to this game.”

Prior to Sunday’s game, fans will have the opportunity to get directly involved in helping the military. Since 2003, Operation: Care and Comfort has been sending monthly care packages containing items such as toiletries, food, batteries, and DVD’s to adopted military units until they return home. At the 7:00 PM game on Friday, April 12 and 5:00 PM contest on Saturday, April 13, all fans who bring an item to include in a care package will receive two free future game tickets. Volunteers interested in assembling the packages should come to Municipal Stadium on Sunday, April 14 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

“We are thrilled to join with Operation: Care and Comfort and the San Jose Giants for the second annual Salute to the Military Day,” said Gary Layton, BAE Systems Site Executive. “BAE Systems’ employees in San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas and surrounding areas work hard supporting the warfighter by providing our best products to be used in the field protecting our troops. Supporting an event like this gives us an opportunity to show our gratitude for the sacrifices our troops and their families have made.”

Tickets are still available for Salute to the Military Day. For tickets, visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View our entire Promotional Schedule online at sjgiants.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

BayBears Honor Military with POW/MIA Seat

March 8, 2013

Navy Federal Credit Union has partnered with the BayBears to honor those who did not return.

The BayBears are proud to announce a partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union to paint seat 1, row 1, in section 107, black with the POW/MIA logo and remain unoccupied for all eternity to honor all American soldiers who never returned.

“This is a very special announcement for a number of reasons, first and foremost we wanted to find a way in our ballpark to permanently recognize the sacrifices of those who protect our freedom. There is a strong military influence in this region and that made finding the right way to show our respect very important to our staff. The seat in section 107, row 1, seat 1, is now a tribute seat that will never be sat in, but it will never be empty,” BayBears General Manger Heath Bennett said.

The BayBears will hold a ceremony to unveil the seat at the home opener, Wednesday, April 10 during the pre-game festivities. Active military and veterans will be in attendance to help dedicate the seat to the over 92,000 missing American soldiers. The BayBears will be installing the seat next week.

“The Black Seat not only conveys a powerful message to BayBears fans, it allows Navy Federal Credit Union to express our gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces who sacrifice for us everyday,” said Jeanette Mack, Manager of Corporate Communications for Navy Federal Credit Union.

Navy Federal Credit Union will also host Tribute to Our Troops, A Season Long Tribute. The Tribute includes providing complimentary tickets to all active, reserve or retired members of the military, and hosting different branches of the United States Military throughout the season.

The Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps. and Coast Guard will all have their own night at The Hank, and will consist of different military themed promotions, as well as fun interactive tables throughout the concourse.

This article originally appeared on the BayBears’ website.

Thursday Nights are Hometown Hero Nights at Classic Park

March 7, 2013

Area Military Personnel to be Honored Every Thursday During 2013 Season

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains, the Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, will honor local military heroes during every Thursday home game throughout the 2013 season as part of its Hometown Heroes promotion, which will run in conjunction with the team’s long-standing Military ID nights.

The Captains will be honoring one member of the armed forces or a member of their family by providing the honoree with tickets the Captains game in which they are being recognized and the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. The team will also read a PA announcement which will include biographical information about the honoree.

The military will be honored by the presentation of a large American flag on the field for the National Anthem and a different color guard every game will present the colors before the game. The Captains will honor America with the singing of God Bless America as part of the seventh inning stretch.

Military ID Night will once again take place every Thursday home game allowing members of the military who show a valid ID to purchase a ticket for themselves and their family members for only $5 per ticket.

The Captains encourage the public to nominate their military heroes by contacting Jen Yorko via email at jyorko@captainsbaseball.com or by phone at 440-975-8085 ext 116.

Anyone who nominates a hero will be asked to leave their name and phone number as well as the name of the person they are nominating, the branch of service of the hero and a few notes about the nominee.

The Captains 2013 Opening Night Celebration is Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 PM as the Captains welcome the Lansing Lugnuts, an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, to Classic Park.

Full season tickets plans, 7-, 12-, 20-, and 35-game mini ticket plans for the 2013 season are on sale now at great prices complete with several exclusive benefits. Information can be found at the Captains website: CaptainsBaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lake County Captains. Click here to view the original story.

Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Ballpark

January 25, 2013

Saturday, May 19 vs. St. Lucie Mets @ 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.)
Patriotic Fireworks Extravaganza following the game (weather permitting).

Armed Forces Day Celebration
The Flying Tigers will be honoring current and retired members of the military for their service to the country. Veterans and current military personnel will also receive FREE admission. There will be a special JROTC Pass and Review celebration on the field prior to the game.

Pre-Game
Roy Powers and the Last Exit Blues Band will be performing in the concourse prior to the game.

North Lakeland Little League Team Party
The Flying Tigers will be hosting North Lakeland Little League’s team parties before and during the game. Each team will parade on the field prior to the game.

Tiger Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
The Flying Tigers annual Tiger Trot 5K will take place on Saturday, May 19 at Joker Marchant Stadium. The race will begin at 8:00 am with registration and packet pickup beginning at 7:00 am. Trophies will be awarded to the Overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female as well as age group winners. There will also be special military team awards. 5K entry fee is $25 and includes race t-shirt (while supplies last) and a special dog tag. The Tiger Trot benefits the Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida, Polk County ROTC programs and The Ledger’s Newspaper in Education Program. To register please click here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Click here to view the original story.

Lexington Legends donations top $800,000 for the 2012 season

November 16, 2012

The Lexington Legends announced donations for the 2012 season totaling $800,629.43 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving Central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Kentucky Ale Taproom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of Minor League Baseball teams, including the Legends.

In its 12-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $11 million to the region.

“It’s a pleasure to work with the representatives of these organizations all year round,” said Legends Director of Community Relations and Special Events Sarah Bosso. “We’re looking forward to another great year in 2013.”

“The Legends have always made community involvement a high priority,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “This event is a nice celebration that brings our business partners together with the organizations that we are proud to support.”

Among organizations receiving funds were:

Autism Society of the Bluegrass: Autism Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark was sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University, which purchased special caps worn by Legends players in that night’s game. The caps were auctioned after the game to support the Autism Society.

Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council: Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation was made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.

Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition (BMAC) Kentucky Wounded Warriors: The Legends supported BMAC with an auction of autographed baseballs and equipment on Military Appreciation Night July 28.

Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: Sleep Outfitters donated five dollars for every strikeout recorded by Legends’ pitchers during home games. The total donated was divided among three organizations: The Pink Connection, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen For the Cure, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. The Legends and Sleep Outfitters also hold an annual dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities. In addition, pink jerseys worn by Legends players in that night’s game are sold through a silent auction.

Folds of Honor: For every run the Legends scored at home in 2012, Kentucky Eagle donated $10 to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships and other assistance to spouses and dependents of military personnel who were killed or disabled in military operations.

Kentucky Children’s Hospital: For every stolen base by a Legends’ player during a home game, Insight donated $10 to Kentucky Children’s Hospital, which provides advanced care for children, including specialized emergency transport and Level III Care at the Neonatal ICU.

LexArts: LexArts, Lexington’s cultural development, advocacy and fund raising organization, was a beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

P.A.W.S.: Sponsored by IncrediPet, two “Bark in the Park” nights were held during the 2012 season, on which dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to a Legends game. The “admission” price for dogs was a donation to the Paris Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.)

Salvation Army: The Whitaker Bank Piggy Bank stationed on the concourse gave Legends’ fans an opportunity to make donations to the Salvation Army.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation: The volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers was another beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the home jerseys worn during the season with proceeds going to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program.

United Way of the Bluegrass: The United Way was the beneficiary of the LexMark Softball Invitational in July. The Legends also worked with United Way on ticket giveaways to United Way donors, listed below.

In-kind donations

The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year to many groups and organizations, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2012 season, more than 38,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.

In-kind projects were also associated with YMCA of Central Kentucky, Lexington Clinic, American Diabetes Association, Bluegrass Regional Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board, DanceBlue, a student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

RailRiders Plan Salute to Military

November 11, 2012

Searching for Area Foursomes to Honor Each Game

The team has honored our nation's armed forces in the past, but it will become a nightly event at the reconstructed PNC Field in 2013. — The team has honored our nation’s armed forces in the past, but it will become a nightly event at the reconstructed PNC Field in 2013.

MOOSIC, Pa. – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders’ community outreach continues. Today, the team announced a new initiative for the 2013 season that will pay tribute to those that serve in our nation’s armed forces and their loved ones in NEPA.

Each 2013 home game will spotlight these local heroes with recognition on the video board at PNC Field, the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and four field reserved seats to enjoy the game. The team is actively searching for a title sponsor of the program that will all the more solidify PNC Field as NEPA’s community ballpark.

“I could not be more thrilled to create a program like this that in some small way helps say thank you to those in uniform and their loved ones,” said Rob Crain, president and general manager of the club. “Many kids look up to our ballplayers, and we certainly appreciate that, but these are the true heroes living right next door to us.”

Area veterans, active military and families thereof are encouraged to submit their military story to the team’s community relations department. E-mails can be sent to SWB’s community relations manager, Rachel Mark, at rmark@swbyankees.com. Or fans may mail their tales to the address below:

SWB RailRiders
ATTN: Community Relations
50 Glenmaura National Blvd., Suite 101
Moosic, PA 18507

-All Aboard-

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Virginia Eagle supports military families

October 4, 2012

The Pulaski Distributing company donates $1,000 to the Military Family Support Center

PULASKI, VA – The Pulaski Mariners are pleased to announce that Virginia Eagle Distributing has donated $1,000 to the Military Family Support Center of Salem, Virginia. Both organizations have partnered with the Mariners during the 2012 season.

The donation was a result of the Mariners Homerun Promotion, in which Virginia Eagle and Budweiser made a donation of $50 for each homerun hit by the Mariners at Calfee Park. The 2012 Mariners hit a combined 17 homeruns during the season to reach an $850 total, and Virginia Eagle donated an extra $150 for a grand total of $1,000.

The Military Family Support Center is located in Salem, Virginia, and focuses on the welfare and needs of military families of service men and women. They provide goods, information, and socialization for military families of active and reserved service men and women in the area. For more information on how to help, see the Military Family Support Center’s website at milfamily.org.

For any questions, please contact the ballpark at 540-980-1070 or email the Mariners at info@pulaskimariners.net.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pulaski Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

4th Annual Braves Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament

September 28, 2012

The Rome Braves and Floyd County Police Department announced today the date for the 4th Annual Braves Celebrity Shootout to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The day will consist of registration and driving range at 9:30am, a shotgun start at 11am, followed by an awards reception after the tournament. Food and drinks will be provided. The golf tournament will be held on Friday November 9 at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome. Teams or individuals can register at the Floyd County Police Station or at the ticket office located at State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves. Hole and team sponorships are available as well.

Celebrity participants include members of the Atlanta Braves coaching staff as well as minor league field staff. Past participants have included current Atlanta Braves third base coach, Brian Snitker, former Rome Braves manager and current Gulf Coast Braves manager Rocket Wheeler, current Rome Manager Randy Ingle, and former Rome Braves players.

The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; to helping injured service members aid and assist each other; and providing unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

For more information, please contact the Rome Braves at (706)369-9388 or Gary Conway at the Floyd County Police department (706)235-7766.

Click here to download a registration form now!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

$33,000 Raised In Home Runs for Heroes

September 20, 2012

Nine military-based, local non-profit organizations received a total of $33,000 from OceanFirst Foundation as part of the 2012 Home Runs for Heroes program in conjunction with the BlueClaws and WOBM.

Through the program, which just concluded its fourth season, each time the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, $1,000 is donated from OceanFirst Foundation to one of nine organizations. Each organization is tied into one particular inning. This year’s leaders were Army Emergency Relief of Fort Dix and Fort Monmouth (first inning) and National Guard State Family Readiness Council (second inning), which each received $7,000 for seven home runs hit in their respective innings.

The four-year total for the program is now $108,000. Checks were presented to the organizations at a FirstEnergy Park ceremony on September 18th.

“Ocean First Foundation is proud to partner with the Lakewood BlueClaws and WOBM to honor and support local veterans and the servicemen and women who protect and serve our country here at home and abroad. We had another great year of home runs and OceanFirst Foundation is proud to support these great organizations,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

BlueClaws 1B Chris Duffy and 3B Maikel Franco each hit seven home runs at FirstEnergy Park to account for $14,000 of the $33,000 donated this season. 1B Jim Murphy, who hit seven home runs in Lakewood in 2009 and 11 more in 2011, has accounted for $18,000 in donations and is the program’s all-time leader.

“This program has been enormously successful over the last four years,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We’re very grateful to OceanFirst Foundation for their generosity in this program and we are thrilled we can help these wonderful organizations.”

2012 Home Run / Fundraising Totals:

Organization	Inning	Home Runs	Total
Army Emergency Relief (Ft Dix/Monmouth)	First	7	$7,000
National Guard State Family Readiness Council	Second	7	$7,000
Navy/Marine Relief	Third	5	$5,000
VETGROUP	Fourth	0	$1,000
American Recreational Military Services	Fifth	1	$1,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund	Sixth	3	$3,000
Catholic Charities	Seventh	3	$3,000
American National Red Cross, Jersey Coast Chapter	Eighth	4	$4,000
Chariot Riders	Ninth/Extra	2	$2,000

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Clock here to read the original story.

Bees to Honor U.S. Military Personnel on Saturday, May 26

May 24, 2012

SALT LAKE CITY – The Salt Lake Bees will honor men and women of the United States Armed Forces during Military Appreciation Night, sponsored by University of Phoenix, on Saturday, May 26 as the Bees take on the Las Vegas 51s at 6:35 p.m. The team will wear camouflage jerseys during the event.

The Bees are offering half-priced tickets for Saturday’s game, available to all military personnel and their families who provide military identification at the Spring Mobile Ballpark box office.

The pregame ceremony will include an on-field parachute jump by the Compulsive Flyers, a giant outfield flag display, the presentation of the colors by the United States Marine Corps and the performance of the national anthem by the 419th Fighter Wing Anthem Choir from Hill Air Force Base.

A concourse booth will be open throughout the game to allow fans an opportunity to send a message via postcard to active military personnel. The 419th Fighter Wing Anthem Choir will also perform “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch and a postgame fireworks show will begin at the conclusion of the game.

The Salt Lake Bees return home for an eight-game homestand beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 25 against the Las Vegas 51s at 6:35 p.m. 2012 Bees season tickets are on sale now with prices starting at just $432 per person. For more information, call (801) 325-BASE or visit slbees.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.