The Cleveland Indians are excited to announce a new military program: Cleveland Indians "Joining Forces" with the Green Berets. In partnership with the Green Beret Foundation, the Cleveland Indians will provide a unique, all-expenses-paid trip for a Green Beret and his or her family to fly to Cleveland to enjoy a VIP experience at Progressive Field. 
 
This program was developed by Indians Performance Coach Ceci Clark, who spent six years as a Cognitive Performance Coach for Green Berets before joining the Indians. The program will be supported by Jason Kipnis - who will act as a player host for each soldier and their family - and Pro Travel, which will handle travel accommodations for the deserving Green Beret honorees.
 
The first Green Beret guest will be Master Sergeant Keith Batchelder, who has been deployed 13 times and has received two Bronze Service Medals with Valor. He has also represented SF Command in the Best Ranger Competition in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
 
MSG Batchelder and his family will make the trip to Cleveland on Sunday and will spend the day at Progressive Field on Memorial Day. Their day at Progressive Field will start by watching batting practice on the field and meeting Indians players, including Kipnis. MSG Batchelder will then throw out a ceremonial first pitch, after which he and his family will enjoy the Tribe and Oakland A's from the Club Lounge.
 
The Joining Forces program joins a long list of programs in which the Indians and players and staff have supported military, including Friends of Francona, Corey Kluber's visits to VA Medical Centers, and thousands of donated tickets to local military organizations.
 
Since its founding in 2009, the Green Beret Foundation has connected the nation's most elite soldiers to resources they need to succeed in the mission ahead. The Green Beret Foundation specifically focuses on the wounded, their families and the families of those who have fallen. The foundation has recently broadened its impact to address the needs of those transitioning back to civilian life.