A weekend getaway to Washington, D.C., marked the grand finale in the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation’s mission to honor military heroes through the Faces of Freedom program.
Over the weekend, 10 retired U.S. military members dating back to service in World War II traveled to the nation’s capital to see the sites, celebrate freedom and enjoy an all-expense-paid trip courtesy of the Rangers Foundation and American Airlines.
The Texas Rangers Foundation honors military heroes annually through the Faces of Freedom program, which was established in 2012. The initiative encourages fans to nominate a military hero to receive a VIP experience at a Rangers game, including on-field batting practice and pregame recognition, and a trip for two to Washington, D.C.
Joining the service men and women in D.C. were Rangers third-base coach Tony Beasley and his wife, Stacy, who try to make the trip each November.
“The Faces of Freedom program is near and dear to my heart,” said Beasley. “I’m grateful the Rangers Foundation makes it a priority to recognize the brave men and women who serve and have served our country.
“It means so much to me because I don’t take for granted the freedoms afforded me by those who have fought, and some given the ultimate sacrifice, to be able to enjoy the liberties of a free nation. I’m just honored to be in their presence and have a chance to say, 'Thank you.'"
During the two-day trip, guests toured famous monuments and museums before heading off to spend the evenings exploring on their own.
On Friday, the group received an exclusive two-hour tour from the National Parks Service of the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial.
While visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Cliff Stump, a WWII veteran and Faces of Freedom recipient, located the name of his fallen brother etched into the Wall of Remembrance, an emotional moment for all the attendees.
On Saturday, the group took a tram tour through the Arlington National Cemetery, which included stops at John F. Kennedy's presidential gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to witness the Changing of the Guard. The next stop, to the delight of the four Air Force veterans on the trip, was the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
The 2022 Faces of Freedom program saw 18 total service men and women recognized by the Texas Rangers and Rangers Foundation, with 10 able to make the trip to D.C. to celebrate their sacrifices and freedom.
Nominations for next year’s Faces of Freedom recipients will open in March 2023. For more information, visit texasrangers.com/foundation.