Padres Pay Tribute to Military During San Diego Fleet Week
Story Number: NNS080828-12
Release Date: 8/28/2008 10:28:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Damien Horvath, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The San Diego Padres paid tribute to service members during a game at Petco Park Aug. 26, as part of San Diego Fleet Week 2008.
The Padres organization donated 3,000 free tickets to military members and their families to attend the game.
"San Diego is unquestionably a military town," said Brig. Gen. Angela Salinas, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Western Recruiting Region.
"The overwhelming support from the city, the citizens and the Padres in regard to service members is immeasurable. The military is part of this city's spirit and character, and for that, I am honored and grateful to be in uniform."
Pre-game festivities included a Junior ROTC Color Guard display honoring several wounded warriors from Naval Medical Center San Diego, the Marine Corps Band playing the national anthem and Salinas throwing the ceremonial first pitch.
The Padres are known in Major League Baseball as the "Team of the Military," and in a show of support for service members, they wear camouflage jerseys for every Sunday home game.
"Every time I put on my uniform and take the field, I know that there is always going to be service members in the crowd," said Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff.
"Tonight, I'm playing for the Padres, but more importantly, I'm also playing to pay tribute to the men and women that sacrifice so much for our great country."
Padres players and staff also routinely visit San Diego-area bases and participate in various events with military members.
"It's fantastic that the Padres are so actively involved with the local military," said Cryptologic Technician Maintenance 3rd Class Gary Flick, Navy Information Operations Command. "They certainly live up to their nickname as the 'Team of the Military.'"
