Members representing America’s Armed Forces appeared on the JumboTron
during the
Arizona Diamondbacks military appreciation day at Chase Field Sunday, May
6.
(Arizona
National Guard photo by Capt. Kristine Munn.)
D-Backs use military force to break losing streak
By Capt. Kristine M. Munn, Arizona National Guard Public Affairs
May 6, 2007
PHOENIX – When four of the Arizona National Guard’s finest Soldiers and Airmen took the field at Sunday’s baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Mets, the feeling was one of mutual admiration.
The Guard members offered encouragement to the Diamondback players and the entire franchise expressed support to our nation’s men and women in uniform by hosting its annual military appreciation day at Chase Field.
To show appreciation for American servicemen and women, the Diamondbacks admitted military personnel for free. The game drew 35,363, the largest crowd since opening day.
In addition to the National Guardsmen, the Armed Forces were represented on the field by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, ROTC, and cadets from Project ChalleNGe – a military-based program for troubled youth administered by the Arizona National Guard. Many military families and several military support groups were in attendance as well.
Army National Guard Spc. Shawn Williams stood next to Diamondbacks’ right fielder Carlos Quentin during the opening ceremonies which included the singing of the National Anthem.
“Today’s the day to start over and get your winning streak back together,” Williams told Quentin referring to the Diamondbacks’ 13-game home losing streak to the Mets.
Paired with Arizona first basemen, Conor Jackson, Master Sgt. John McElrath of the Arizona Air National Guard’s 107th Air Control Squadron asked his temporary teammate if they were going to win the game.
He said they would, speaking of Jackson, and I told him they’d better, McElrath laughed.
The military support proved to be exactly what the D-Backs needed as they beat the Mets 3-1, ending a five-game losing streak overall and garnering their first victory over the New York team at home since May 11, 2004.
Standing at the shortstop position with the D-Backs’ #6, Stephen Drew, Sgt. Laurel Holl of the Arizona Army National Guard’s 855th Military Police Company was recently recognized as the state’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
When asked what it took for her to get to where she was today, she responded:
“I had to get out of drill,” said Holl. “One of my team leaders is cleaning my rifle and my 9mm right now so I want to say thank you to him, and thanks to my first sergeant for letting me come.”
Tech. Sgt. Celia Herrera, the Outstanding Honor Guard Member of the Year from the Arizona Air National Guard’s 107th Air Control Squadron, had the opportunity to meet Arizona’s third baseman, Alberto Callaspo.
“It was an awesome experience,” said Herrera. “I was a little nervous but it was really fun. It was unforgettable.”
The Arizona National Guard Soldiers and Airmen recognized during the Diamondbacks’ tribute to the military were chosen by their leadership to represent the state because they have proven themselves as tops in their respective fields.
