Twins announce plans for Armed Forces Appreciation Day

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota National Guard today announced plans for the team's 15th annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day to honor veterans and active service members from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. This year the Minnesota Twins will focus on Minnesota's women active members and veterans.
Highlighted by Minnesota's female service, the Twins will recognize local members that are among the 174,000 current female members of the United States Armed Forces. In addition, the Twins will pay tribute to women veterans past and present, specifically recognizing Women's Air Service Pilot Betty Strohfus and the first female Somali-American Soldier in the Minnesota National Guard, Specialist Samia Mousa.
Thomson Reuters has generously donated 1,000 tickets for active and retired members of the U.S. Military, which have been distributed by the Military Family Assistance Centers throughout the state.
Through the "Seats for Soldiers" program, many Thomson Reuters Champions Club season ticket holders and suite holders have generously donated their seats and suites to wounded service members and their families. Gold Star Families, whose family members have served and died while on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America or its allies, will also be hosted in donated suites.
In addition, active military members and veterans with a valid ID plus three guests can receive half-price tickets in Home Plate View seating locations. (Available day of game only.)
"Thomson Reuters and season ticket holders have been very generous in donating their seat to Gold Star Families, Veterans, current service members and their families," said Army Lieutenant Andrea Drost, Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs Officer. "We are excited to recognize the contributions of Minnesota's Women Service Members and Women Veterans, and we can't wait to enjoy another great day of baseball and patriotism."
A special pregame ceremony is planned prior to the 1:10 p.m. game against the Baltimore Orioles. Fans are encouraged to arrive by 12:15 p.m. to see the pregame elements. See following page for Armed Forces Appreciation Day pregame elements.
Starting at 12:20 p.m. special pregame elements will include:
• Ceremonial first pitch thrown by Second Lieutenant Ellen McNair, an Air Force Public Affairs Officer who comes from a military family. She is also a former collegiate softball player from Penn State.
On-field ceremony recognizing more than 50 Gold Star Families and Families of the Fallen. Five families will be presented with an "Honor and Remember" flag, which recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by members of the United States military in service to our nation.
• The Minnesota Assistance Counsel for Veterans will be receiving the keys to a new women veterans' transitional home.
• Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF) Grants will be awarded to Purple Heart recipient and River Falls, WI resident Bryan Bodrog for the injuries he sustained in Iraq.
• A flyover will be performed by one Blackhawk and one Chinook helicopter.
• Raising of the American Flag by two female Purple Heart recipients, Staff Sergeant Ashley Meraz and First Sergeant Katie Blackwell.
• On the Plaza, 1st Battalion 151st Field Artillery will have a M777 Howitzer and a FMTV (medium tactical vehicle) on display.
• Pregame and in-game performances by the Red Devil Rock Band from the third Floor balcony. Thomson Reuters honoring their military and veteran employees.
• An unfurling of a giant flag by Twins, Delaware North Sportservice, and Thomson Reuters employees who have a military affiliation.
• Raising of the Twins Territory Flag by Alexandra Johnson and Kailah George, daughters of Sergeants First Class Sarah Johnson and Jenny George.
• The Perkins Starting Lineup will consist of the spouses of nine currently deployed women.
• The National Anthem will be performed by a trio of Service Members from the Minnesota Air and Army National Guard.