FSL1 Bradenton Marauders

Pirates To Host Military Appreciation Day In Bradenton

Published on March 27, 2015 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Bradenton Marauders News Release


The Pittsburgh Pirates and Pirates Charities will take the opportunity to honor and recognize more than 90 service men and women at McKechnie Field tomorrow, Saturday, March 28. The Pirates and Pirates Charities will host military members and their families from the 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), It's About the Warrior Foundation (IATWF) and U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team (The Para-Commandos).

The day at McKechnie Field will be complete with a family picnic, early batting practice access, on-field ceremonies, and a parachute demonstration on the field prior to the afternoon game as the Pirates host the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m.

The Military Appreciation Day events on Saturday, March 28, will include:

- The groups will begin their day with VIP access to Pirates batting practice where they will meet with players and coaches and get the chance to have their pictures taken on the field at McKechnie.

- A pregame picnic will be provided in a special reserved area on the McKechnie Field Boardwalk.

- Special on-field ceremonies:

o Group Salutes, including recognition for IATWF and an ESGR certificate of appreciation presentation.

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First Pitch by Tech Sergeant Andrea Ervin, Program Manager at the 927th Air Refueling Wing Development and Training Flight.

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Presentation of colors by the ESGR o Canadian National Anthem performed by Paul Villaluz

o National Anthem performed by Johnstown, Pa native Master Sergeant Brad Clark, Air Force reservist stationed at MacDill Air Force Base.

- Special parachute demonstration by The Para-Commandos group, which will land on the field at McKechnie. The Para-Commandos perform precision freefall parachute demonstrations across the United States, informing the public about the Special Operations Command, its mission, and the great work being performed by the Special Operations Command's Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen deployed to over 100 countries around the world.

Pirates Charities works with these and other military organizations throughout the spring training and regular seasons, as a core focus of the philanthropic arm of the Pirates is to support groups that assist service men and women and their families.

The mission of the It's About the Warrior Foundation is to assist and empower tri-state area (Western PA, Eastern OH, Northern WV) post 9/11 veterans and their families with financial, educational, recreational, or therapeutic needs, thus, leading to a successful and enriched life.

The 927th Air Refueling Wing is comprised of three groups and 10 squadrons providing rapid global mobility through air refueling and airlift operations. In addition to providing air-to- air refueling capability, the 927th has an aeromedical evacuation squadron whose primary mission is to bring our wounded and injured service members home. This squadron is set to deploy later this year, joining thousands of other Air Force Reservists supporting contingency operations around the world.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense office, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. ESGR has served our country for more than 40 years, fostering a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.

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