Twins Announce Plans for Armed Forces Appreciation Day presented by U.S. Bank on Sunday, July 1

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota National Guard today announced plans for the team’s 9th annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day to honor veterans and active service members from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. This year’s theme will be “a salute to women service members and veterans.” U.S. Bank has generously donated 1,000 tickets for active and retired members of the U.S. Military, which have been distributed by the Minnesota National Guard.

Through the “Seats for Soldiers” program, many Thomson Reuters Champions Club and suite holders have generously donated their seats and suites to wounded service members and their families. Gold Star Families, whose sons or daughters have served and died in line of duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America or its Allies, or died as a result of injuries sustained on active duty will also be hosted in donated suites.

“Thanks to U.S. Bank, Twins Suite Holders and Champions Club members for generously donating tickets for veterans and military service members,” said Army Lt. Col. Kevin Olson, Minnesota National Guard Director of Public Affairs. “We’re looking forward to an exciting day honoring our valued female service members and providing all service members and their families with a well-deserved day at the ballpark.”

A special pregame ceremony is planned prior to the 1:10 p.m. game against the Kansas City Royals.

Starting at 12:20 p.m. special pregame elements include:

• • The Minnesota National Guard 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Rock Combo Band
• • WCCO Radio host John Hines serving as the on-field emcee
• • U.S. Bank honoring their military and veteran employees
• • A special recognition of the Minnesotan’s Military Appreciation Fund
• • An on-field recognition ceremony of 30 female veterans from all five branches of service
• • A special memorial tribute to service members from Twins Territory who have died in combat since October 2011.
• • The ceremonial first pitch game ball will be delivered by an explosive ordinance disposal robot from the Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing.
• • The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Command Sergeant Major Cindy Kallberg, the senior enlisted advisor for the Minnesota National Guard.
• • An unfurling of a giant flag by female military members and veterans
• • On-field recognition of Gold Star Mothers whose children served and died in line of duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America or its Allies.
• • A symbolic release of 100 doves to honor service members who have died in line of duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America or its Allies.
• • Recognition of multi-generational female veterans from WWII to present.
• • Army Retired Brevet Col. Geraldine Longfellow will raise the American Flag
• • Raising of the Twins Territory Flag by Bruce Bredlow
• • The National Anthem and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” will be sung by sisters, Air Force 2nd Lt. Darcy Reller and Air Force Airman 1st Class Jessica Reller.
• • God Bless America will be sung by Air Force 1st Lt. Jodi Kiminski

“The Twins are proud to honor the hardworking service members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Patrick Klinger, Twins vice president of marketing. “We strongly encourage fans to arrive early to enjoy the many pre-game elements we have planned.”