Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio Coming to Day Air Ballpark

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons are excited to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio to Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Home games from Friday, July 22 to Sunday, August 14 will be dedicated to supporting this program.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio is a program that is of no cost to the families. When a child is enrolled in the program, they receive a book in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. This program is made possible with financial support from the Ohio General Assembly and affiliates across the state as well as Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. Montgomery County currently has an enrollment rate of over 46% of children of five years and younger.

From Friday, July 22, through Sunday, August 14, the Dragons will include books with first-game certificates for first time Dragons fans under the age of five while supplies last, as well as bookmarks that allow parents or guardians to directly sign their children up for the program. On Sunday, August 14, the Dragons will host Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio Day with a sign-up booth, first pitch, graduation ceremony and more to highlight the program.

For more information on this program, visit https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/

Single-game tickets for these games and all Dragons 2022 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

More Information:_ The Dayton Dragons are the Class-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark_ in the heart of the Water Street District. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected]_, or on the web at daytondragons.com._

Dragons to Recognize “Community All Stars” Recipient During Game Tonight on July 22

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize Chloe Adkins as a “Community All-Star” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game tonight on Friday, July 22 against Fort Wayne Tincaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

At nine, Chloe Adkins has spent most of her life giving back to her community. Kettering and Dayton have been blessed by her activist nature since she was four years old.

Starting at the Kettering Backpack Program, Chloe helped to build bags for students in need of meals outside of school hours. She even donates a portion of any money she earns through allowance or other jobs to charities like Kettering Backpack.

Chloe’s mental compass seems to lead her directly to the causes in her community that need the most attention, and she does whatever she can to shed a light on that charity or program by getting the word out to encourage action.

When her school program needed more items to fill birthday-cake care kits, Chloe offered to record a video for social media to remind parents to get their donations in. And, when she learned cancer patients like herself needed blood donations, she recorded a video to encourage people to donate to local blood drives like the one she led with the Community Blood Center.

Now, she’s competing in a world-wide educational contest called the Invention Convention to fill a need in her community. Chloe is creating a fashion-forward design that provides confidence to patients while they get better with shirts with medical port coverings.

When she’s not volunteering, Chloe enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and doing regular kid stuff.

For all her work inspiring the community and making Dayton a better place—Chloe Adkins is our Community All-Star.

If you know other great individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for our community, tell us about them! You can nominate an All-Star by telling us about them at daytondragons.com/communityallstar. The Dragons Community Al by the generous support of Flying Ace Express Carwash.

This is the third of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Community All-Stars is presented Flying Ace Express Carwash. Additional tributes are scheduled for August 10 and September 1 each focused on a different individual or organization who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District and are scheduled to play 21 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 1:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2022 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

Salute to the Negro Leagues Night: Akron Black Tyrites vs Jax Red Caps

On Saturday, July 9, the Akron RubberDucks will take on the Altoona Curve in a very special Salute to the Negro Leagues night. The Akron RubberDucks will honor the Akron Black Tyrites while the Altoona Curve will honor the Jax Red Caps by wearing the salute to the Negro League uniforms of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

The Akron Black Tyrites were a member of the Negro National League in 1933. The club began that year in Columbus before moving to Akron for just 10 games. The team finished the season in Cleveland as the Giants.

The name was originally supposed to be “Tyr-ites” from the British word for tire, “tyre,” but the name soon became “Ty-rites” to match Akronites.

The team played their games at Akron’s League Park, which was a $135,000 ballpark constructed in 1928 on property at Crosier Street, Park Avenue, and Long Street.

Since the team only played a small number of games in Akron, only a few photos of the front of the uniform jersey appeared when the RubberDucks front office staff began research. To celebrate and honor the original Akron Black Tyrites, the RubberDucks created logos and uniforms in a style the team might have worn in 1933.

The Red Caps were originally formed by a group of local Black train porters, employees of the East Coast Railroad, that played together when they were off duty. The porters wore red hats as part of their uniform, and they were called the Red Caps during their workday. The team was officially put together by the Jacksonville Terminal Station and managed by player Alonzo “Fluke” Mitchell. The Red Caps, who called Durkee Field home, only played seven league games in their debut season in the Negro American League in 1937, finishing with a 4-6 record. They played more than 180 games between 1938 and 1944 and recorded a winning percentage of .401. The Red Caps moved to Cleveland in 1939 but return to Jacksonville in 1941. They finished the season at 12-20, coming in second to last in the league. The 1942 season was no better for the club, with a 7-22 record, and the team was dropped from the league in July. The Red Caps played as an unaffiliated team at Durkee Field in 1944.

Durkee Field, which is now known as JP Small Park, is one of only five Negro leagues ballparks still in existence. Edward Waters University, which is a local HBCU, used the field now for their games, as well as some local high schools. Outside of JP Small Park is a statue of Buck O’Neil, who is going to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown this summer. Buck attended Edward Waters College before his Negro leagues playing and managing career and MLB scouting and coaching career. He then went on to found the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

July 9 will mark the first time both of the Fast Forward Sports Group teams’ salute to the Negro Leagues uniforms will be worn on the same field. Tickets are still available by calling 855-97-QUACK or by visiting akronrubberducks.com.

To help the RubberDucks and Jumbo Shrimp celebrate and share the story of the Akron Black Tyrites and Jax Red Caps, you can get your own Akron Black Tyrites merchandise here and your Jax Red Caps merchandise here.

Dragons 5K at Day Air Ballpark, July 16

Dayton, Ohio– The annual Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates is taking place Saturday, July 16, at 8AM at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The event began in 2011 and has become a local tradition as one of the largest races in the Miami Valley region, featuring over 2,000 people each year.

The Dragons 5K will continue offering a virtual option for those that prefer that method. Participants that sign up for the virtual option can complete the race on their own time then input their time online by July 16.

All race participants (including virtual) will receive four (4) tickets to a Dragons game, Dragons 5K shirt, Dragons hat, and finisher’s medal. The registration fee is $30 for ages 18 and up and $20 for ages 17 and under. The registration fee will increase to $35 after July 8, so be quick to register before this price increase. For the virtual race option, there is an additional charge of $10 for swag bag shipping or they can pick-up the week following the 5K at the Dragons Box Office.

Fans can still sign up online at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Dayton/Dragons5KOH or by visiting the Dragons Box Office at Day Air Ballpark between the hours of 10AM and 5PM. You can also sign up on the day of the race starting at 7AM.

Early race bag and bib pickup for participants will take place on Friday, July 15 from 8AM to 6PM at Day Air Ballpark located in front of the Dragons Box Office. Anyone not able to make early race bag pickup can pick up their bag and race bib before the race beginning at 7AM on Saturday, July 16.

The race will begin at 8AM and participants may choose to run or walk the course. Baby strollers are also permitted. The course will move through downtown Dayton and end back at the ballpark. Following the race, fruit and water will be distributed to participants.

Once race results are finalized, winners will be posted on the Dragons 5K race page and will be contacted via email with information on how to claim their prizes. The top three male and female overall finishers will receive a specially engraved baseball bat and be honored during a special inning break at a Dragons game. Awards will also be given out to the top 3 overall males and females in each age group and top 3 finishing groups. Top groups will receive great group prizes and the grand prize is a luxury suite to a Dragons game in 2023!

For any Dragons 5K related questions, please visit the Dragons 5K race page or contact Jake Arthur, [email protected].

The 2022 Dragons 5K is being presented by Orthopedic Associates. As the regional leader in comprehensive orthopedic care, Orthopedic Associate’s passion is helping Dayton’s families get back to doing what they love. Orthopedic Associates is proud to be the trusted orthopedic provider serving your Dayton Dragons for more than a decade. Learn more at www.BonesFixed.com_._

Dragons to Recognize “Hometown Heroes” Honorees During Game on July 4

DRAGONS TO RECOGNIZE “HOMETOWN HEROES” HONOREES DURING GAME ON JULY 4

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize the 1487th Transportation Company of the U.S. Army as “Hometown Heroes” during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Monday, July 4 against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 7:05p.m.

The Dayton Dragons shine the spotlight on the military, past and present, through the Hometown Heroes program. This program hosts military families at every Dragons game, recognizing outstanding military organizations, groups, and individuals.

Since its inception in 1873, the 1487th transportation company has participated in World War I, World War II, the Gulf War, and the Global War of Terror. Coming out of the Gulf War, the unit was designated as the “Iron Camels” due to their efforts in transporting vital supplies of food and water across Kuwait.

In 2020, the unit was called to transport critical supplies in Southwest Asia in support of Operations Spartan Shield (OSS) and Inherent Resolve (OIR.) From March to December of 2020, the Iron Camels successfully completed transportation missions including driving over 500,000 individual miles and supporting 115 military units. They conducted 90 missions to the Khabari Crossing in Kuwait, trans-loading multi-class supplies in support of OIR operations. These missions included the transport of Counter-Terrorism Equipment Fund Class VII for divestment operations and the retrograde of multi-class supplies.

In recognition of their efforts, they were awarded the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation for their exceptional conduct in performance of outstanding achievement and service. The award, which dates back to 1944, is only granted to units who exemplify these efforts for six continuous months or more, during military operations against an armed enemy.

The emblem is a scarlet ribbon with a gold, laurel leaf frame and is to be worn by service members on the right breast of their service coat.

The Dayton Dragons Hometown Heroes program is made possible by the generous support of the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, and the Dayton Dragons. For more information, please visit daytondragons.com/hometownheroes.

Scrappers & 910th Airlift Wing Partner for Operation Fly Together Campaign

NILES, OH –The Mahoning Valley Scrappers (est. 1999) and Youngstown Air Reserve Station (est. 1955), home to the 910th Airlift Wing, have been pillars in the Mahoning Valley in Northeast Ohio for decades. Together, we’ve participated in ceremonies, flag salutes, fly overs, and more. With significant growth by both parties, the opportunity to rally the region even more has never been better.

Together, we are thrilled to announce the Mahoning Valley Scrappers Baseball Team is teaming with the 910th Airlift Wing for a Community Engagement Partnership campaign called “Operation Fly Together” beginning with the 2022 baseball season with the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Education, Civic & Cultural Foundation as the primary sponsor.

With unique and creative marketing elements, this campaign is designed to celebrate the venerable C-130 Hercules tactical cargo aircraft and bring increased awareness to the local presence of 910th Airlift Wing and YARS in Northeast Ohio. This campaign will also bring together currently serving Reserve Citizen Airmen, civilians, and thousands of veterans within 50 miles of the base.

Since the Mahoning Valley Scrappers are leaders in fun, and experts at creating unique moments at the stadium and in the community, their team has created new specialty marketing components include a new logo, patch, flag, educational markers, caps and jersey that are unique to the ‘Operation Fly Together’ campaign.

Elements of this new Partnership will fall under five categories — Support, Honor, Educate, Celebrate and Community. Here are some details of each category of this new Partnership:

Support – To celebrate the C-130 Hercules and the ‘Operation Fly Together’ campaign in Mahoning Valley, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will host “The 910th Airlift Wing ‘Operation Fly Together’ Night” in conjunction with the Scrappers game on Saturday, August 6, 2022. To support this exciting partnership, a new patch and logo have been created. This patch and logo will be used on the sleeve of a specialty jersey created specifically for the partnership of the 910th Airlift Wing and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers celebrating ‘Operation Fly Together.’ A new team cap featuring a “Winger” logo, inspired by the YARS Mascot Winger, has been created and players will wear these caps at the game. Additionally,

the Mahoning Valley Scrappers have developed a new merchandise line for the Team Store that features the ‘Operation Fly Together’ patch logo and the “Winger” logo. Mechandise is available now for pre-order here: https://scrappers.milbstore.com/collections/operation-fly-together

Honor – To honor the men and women assigned to Youngstown ARS and living throughout the surrounding greater Mahoning Valley area. A new ‘Operation Fly Together’ flag will be featured at Eastwood Field in honor of the campaign on ‘Military Appreciation Nights’ and “The 910th Airlift Wing ‘Operation Fly Together’ Night.” The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are continuing their ‘Military Appreciation Nights’. This weekly promotion has occurred at Eastwood Field for at least 15 seasons and will continue to occur during the 2022 season. Every Wednesday, military members can receive 2 free tickets to the Scrappers game. Military branches are recognized and featured on these days. Additionally, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will host “The 910th Airlift Wing ‘Operation Fly Together’ Night” on August 6, 2022. During the game, the Scrappers will wear the specialty jerseys and caps; there will be in game/online auction of the game-worn specialty jerseys and caps; the 910th will have table displays at the game; the 910th’s Winger mascot will be in attendance and the members of the 910th Airlift Wing will participate in pre-game and in-game activities such as singing the National Anthem, ceremonial first pitches, pre-game ceremonies on field prior to the game, promotional videos during the game, kids activities, the 7th inning stretch and more.

Educate – To bring awareness about the C-130 Hercules and its history. The following items are being developed to accomplish this goal: C-130 Hercules educational marker signs throughout the concourse; C-130/Winger coloring sheets in Kids Fun Zone and a Winger marker in the Fun Zone.

Celebrate – To bring awareness in a fun and positive way with the general public. The following events and items are being developed to accomplish this goal: Kids meet and greet with Winger and 910th Airlift Wing members as well as special ticket and merchandise packages available for fans.

Community – To rally the community and bring positive awareness about the positioning of Youngstown Air Reserve Station in the community. In addition to the joint press event kicking off this Partnership, the following events are being planned to accomplish this goal: Mahoning Valley Scrappers Players visit to YARS and a Baseball clinic for 910th Airlift Wing Families.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers Baseball Team and the 910th Airlift Wing are excited to team up for “Operation Fly Together.” We look forward to bringing this new Community Engagement Partnership campaign to the Mahoning Valley and continuing our efforts together for years to come.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters. For more information and to purchase tickets and merchandise, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

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CareSource, Dragons Team Up to Honor Local Veteran

CareSource Veteran Salute Honors William Zimmerman on June 26

DAYTON, Ohio –CareSource and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Navy veteran William Zimmerman during the CareSource Veteran Salute Program on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at 1:05PM when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the third of five special CareSource Veteran Salute dates of the 2022 season.

The CareSource Veteran Salute Program provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to their country. 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.

William Zimmerman’s Story

William Zimmerman, born and raised in Tipp City, graduated from Tippecanoe High School in 1964. He wanted to serve his country and enlisted in the Navy in December of 1965. William served 21 years in the military; four years active duty and 17 years in the reserves.

William began his career with the Navy in Pensacola, Florida. He was then moved to Long Beach, California for his second tour of duty. William recorded aviation flight information and repairs on assigned aircraft. His Vietnam service was aboard the USS Enterprise which was the first nuclear-powered ship to engage in combat by utilizing her aircraft against the Viet Cong at the height of the Vietnam War. In July of 1969, William returned to the United States – very happy to see the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as his ship drew nearer.

William continued to serve in the Naval Reserves until he retired in February of 1990. While in the reserves, he decided to attend college and graduated in 1981 from Edison State Community College with a degree in Business Management. He played basketball while in college and even started his own income tax business that continued for 40 years.

William was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star and many other service and campaign medals. He exemplifies a veteran who loves his community and continues to give back through his local church and volunteering for local causes. William has two children, three grandchildren, and resides in New Carlisle with his wife, Janel. He enjoys spending time with his family, bowling, watching the Reds, and attending Dragons games. He recently started reading more routinely and has read over 200 books in the last three years.

To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program, please visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute today.

CareSource’s Veteran Salute program highlights five veterans’ stories during the course of each season. Veterans who are chosen are honored at a Dragons game with an in-game ceremony and provided with VIP treatment during their special night. The program is an extension of CareSource’s continued commitment to serving special populations and its new efforts to support veterans through innovative health and life services programs. For more information about the Veteran Salute program, visit www.daytondragons.com/veteransalute.

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New Historical Baseball Display to be Unveiled at Eastwood Field on July 25

NILES, OH –Niles, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers will debut a new display at Eastwood Field which will feature historic baseball figures with ties to the region. The unveiling will take place before a game on Monday, July 25, 2022, a date which will coincide with the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The display has been funded by local baseball historian P. M. Kovach and will feature six individuals with ties to the area: Bud Fowler, the first African-American professional baseball player who began his career in New Castle, PA; Jimmy McAleer, a Youngstown native who played and managed in Cleveland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and helped establish the American League; Elmer Flick, who played in the minors in Youngstown and went on to a Hall of Fame career; Red Ames of Warren who played in three World Series; Billy Evans who played baseball for Rayen HS in Youngstown and became the youngest MLB umpire at the age of 22 in 1906; George H. Burns, a Niles native who helped the Cleveland Indians beat Brooklyn in the 1920 World Series.

The Scrappers will take on the Fredrick Keys and the game will also feature the Peppers in Oil promotion and Niles Community Day with first pitch at 7:05pm. The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters. For more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

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Pink Ribbon Girls Survivor Celebration Night at the Ballpark

Dayton, Ohio – The Pink Ribbon Girls (PRG) and the Dayton Dragons will host a Survivor Celebration on Tuesday, June 21, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Pink Ribbon Girls provide transportation to and from treatment, housecleaning kits, and peer support and education to breast and gynecological cancer patients at their greatest time of need. The organization has the mission of making sure “No one travels this road alone” and serves anyone regardless of their age, stage, or socio-economic status.

The Pink Ribbon Girls will be in attendance at the game to promote awareness and to celebrate the breast cancer and gynecological cancer survivors they have helped. Proceeds from the Dragons 50/50 for the entire week (June 21 to June 26) will go towards the services and programs of the Pink Ribbon Girls.

If you want to learn more about how you can help support The Pink Ribbon Girls, check out their website here at: pinkribbongirls.org

Dragons to Recognize “Hometown Heroes” Honorees During Game on June 12

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize Army recruits of the Miami Valley as “Hometown Heroes” during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Sunday, June 12 against the Great Lakes Loons at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 1:05 p.m.

The Dayton Dragons shine the spotlight on the military, past and present, through the Hometown Heroes program. This program hosts military families at every Dragons game, recognizing outstanding military organizations, groups, and individuals.

Everyone who joins the military has one thing in common: they have sworn in by repeating either the military Oath of Enlistment or Oath of Office. During the game on Sunday, future soldiers of the United States Army will be taking a solemn oath of enlistment, marking the beginning of selfless service to their nation.

The Dayton Dragons Hometown Heroes program is made possible by the generous support of the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, and the Dayton Dragons. For more information, please visit daytondragons.com/hometownheroes.

Scrappers Partner with the DeBartolo Corporation to Award Tickets for A's for June 10-12 Games

NILES, OH –The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have partnered with the DeBartolo Corporation to award Tickets for A’s for the Friday, June 10th – Sunday, June 12th Scrappers games. Students can present their report cards at the Chevy All-Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field and they will receive a free General Admission ticket for every A. (Equivalent grade markings will also be accepted). Tickets may be upgraded.

Promotions for the homestand include:

Friday – June 10 (7:05pm) – Travel Mug Giveaway to the first 1,000 Adults courtesy of T-Mobile and Post-Game Fireworks presented by Chevy All-Stars, 21 WFMJ, WBCB and Mix 98.9.

Saturday – June 11 (7:05pm) – Autism Awareness Night presented by the Rich Center For Autism with specialty team jersey auction and Mascot Mania with Scrappy and Friends!

Sunday – June 12 (2:05pm) – Every Sunday Matters – bring canned goods or new children’s books for a free General Admission ticket presented by 21 WFMJ & WBCB, Pro Football Hall of Fame Night – free admission tickets to the HOF to first 100 kids, Post-Game Team Autograph Session and Kids Run the Bases.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters. For more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

Scrappers Host High School Valley All-Star Classic on Tuesday, June 7th

NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to announce they will be hosting the seventh annual High School Valley All-Star Classic, presented by Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods and media partners 21 WFMJ and WBCB, on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 6:00pm at Eastwood Field. The High School Valley All-Star Classic will feature elite high school players from the Mahoning Valley.

FULL TRUMBULL COUNTY ROSTER HERE

FULL MAHONING COUNTY ROSTER HERE

Tickets for the High School Valley All-Star Classic are on sale now and are $5 for General Admission Seats. They are available at the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field, by calling 330-505-0000 or online at www.mvscrappers.com.

Mahoning Valley is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters. For more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

CareSource, Dragons Team Up to Honor Local Veteran

DAYTON, Ohio –CareSource and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Marine veteran Robert De Roziere during the CareSource Veteran Salute Program on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at 1: 05PM when the Dayton Dragons take on the South Bend Cubs at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the second of five special CareSource Veteran Salute dates of the 2022 season.

The CareSource Veteran Salute Program provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to their country. 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.

Robert De Roziere’s Story

Robert De Roziere, born and raised in Kettering, graduated from Miami University with a degree in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs in December of 1987. He always wanted to serve his country. He was commissioned as an officer (2nd Lieutenant) in the Marine Corps in 1987. Robert served 31 years in the military; 11 years active duty and 20 years in the reserves.

Robert began his career with the Marines in 1988 at Camp Pendleton in California. He served as Company Radio Officer/Operations Officer and deployed with the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Robert was quickly promoted to First Lieutenant. After his deployment, his second tour of duty lead him and his family to Philadelphia where he assisted in recruiting. He was then promoted to Captain in 1992.

In 1994, Robert’s third tour of duty brought him to Quantico where he was assigned to Marine Corps Systems Command and earned his master’s degree in Telecommunications in 1998. He left active duty and transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve in Cincinnati. In 2003, Robert was deployed and served in Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom.

Robert was awarded the Legion of Merit which is presented by the President of the United States and many other services and campaign medals. He exemplifies a veteran who loves his community by sharing his service journey and appreciating the three decades of leadership, structure, and growth he gained. Robert has four sons, 13 grandchildren, and resides in Middletown with his wife. He enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and staying busy at his home.

To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program, please visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute today.

CareSource’s Veteran Salute program highlights five veterans’ stories during the course of each season. Veterans who are chosen are honored at a Dragons game with an in-game ceremony and provided with VIP treatment during their special night. The program is an extension of CareSource’s continued commitment to serving special populations and its new efforts to support veterans through innovative health and life services programs. For more information about the Veteran Salute program, visit www.daytondragons.com/veteransalute.

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Dragons to Recognize “Community All Stars” Recipient During Game on June 2

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game tonight, Thursday, June 2nd, against the South Bend Cubs at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons are going to highlight these Community All-Stars at games all summer long.

More than a decade ago, a group of Dayton business leaders got together to brainstorm how to get more kids exposed to adventures and careers in aviation, aeronautics, and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related fields.

What came of those meetings was more than just a curriculum, it was an adventure for campers that has now become known as Air Camp, and it’s based right here in the Dayton region.

Air Camp provides campers from 4th grade through high school with a hands-on, educational adventure in aviation and aeronautics every summer. Each camp offers something specific for students and they’re all bolstered with resources to continue their growth in STEM education. There are even camps that teachers can be a part of that allow them to take the curriculum back to all of their students in the fall.

Air Camp students take flight ground school, chart their course and fly as a student pilot. They also explore exciting aviation sites around Dayton, and they get to go behind the scenes and meet scientists from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson AFB.

The first Air Camp back in 2010 started with just 40 students, but since those humble beginnings, their reach has soared, connecting with over 33,000 students and 88 teachers from 33 states just last year.

Expanding Air Camp’s mission and their programming is made possible only through the generosity of local donors, and their fundraising efforts make it possible for them to make the program accessible and affordable to anyone who wishes to be a part of the camp. There is so much more on the horizon for Air Camp, and each donor is pivotal to opening greater opportunities for every camper.

For all their efforts to bring STEM education to all, Air Camp is being honored as a Dragons Community All Star. If you want to learn more about how you can help support Air Camp check out their website at aircampusa.org/.

If you know other great individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for our community, tell us about them! You can nominate an All-Star by telling us about them at daytondragons.com/communityallstar

This event is the first of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Community All-Stars is presented Flying Ace Express Carwash. Additional tributes are scheduled for July 22, August 10, and September 1 each focused on a different individual or organization who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District and are scheduled to play 42 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 1:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2022 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

Dragons to Recognize “Community All Stars” Recipient During Game on May 22

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize Culture Works as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Sunday, May 22nd against the Quad Cities River Bandits at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 1:05 p.m.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons are going to highlight these Community All-Stars at games all summer long.

From its first days as the Dayton Performing Arts Fund in 1974, Culture Works has been central to the success of the arts in Dayton. While Culture Works means many things to the arts community, their two main roles are funding and marketing the wide range of arts in our area.

The success of a world class arts culture like Dayton’s does not happen without someone tending to it, and that’s where Culture Works steps in. Lisa Hanson, the President and CEO of Culture Works, and her team are much like gardeners, ensuring that the programs, projects, artists, performers, and creators in their care all have what they need to grow.

Culture Works has developed partnerships with private citizens, government entities and support from the business community to build a fundraising arm that allows Dayton artists to succeed. One of the best ways to see that success is when artists not only grow but choose to remain in Dayton for the duration of their career instead of taking their talents to another city.

For all their efforts in building up and supporting the world-class arts we enjoy here in the Dayton region, Culture Works is being honored as a Dragons Community All Star.

If you want to learn more about how you can help support Culture Works check out their website here. (https://cultureworks.org/)

If you know other great individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for our community, tell us about them! You can nominate an All-Star by telling us about them here. (https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/cas )

This event is the first of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Community All-Stars is presented Flying Ace Express Carwash. Additional tributes are scheduled for June 2, July 22, August 10, and September 1 each focused on a different individual or organization who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District and are scheduled to play 53 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 1:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available atwww.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.