Kerr selected as Blue Jays' rep for Heroes

CLEVELAND -- Nicholas Kerr of the Canadian Army has been named the Blue Jays' representative in the Tribute for Heroes campaign at the upcoming All-Star Game in New York.

Kerr is a Medal of Bravery nominee for saving a civilian's life after a car accident. He's a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and has won several Canadian Forces National Sports Awards.

After Afghanistan, the artillery chose the decorated infantryman -- a first -- to join Avalanche Control Operation Palaci (AVCON). His howitzer training was put to use supporting Parks Canada's Rogers Pass, BC, program.

The Tribute for Heroes campaign is a national initiative that recognizes veterans and military service members and which builds upon both organizations' commitment to honoring heroes in the United States and Canada.

All of the winners, each representing one of the 30 MLB clubs, will be included in All-Star Week festivities and will be honored during the pregame ceremony leading up to the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field, Tuesday, on Sportsnet beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Along with MLB and People, a guest panel including General Peter W. Chiarelli (retired) and General John M. "Jack" Keane (retired), alongside MLB players Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers, Nick Swisher of the Cleveland Indians, Barry Zito of the San Francisco Giants, Jonny Gomes of the Boston Red Sox, Brad Ziegler of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres and Craig Stammen of the Washington Nationals assisted in the selection process for the 90 finalists, who were then voted on by fans to select the 30 winners.