Colorado Springs Sky Sox outfielder Keon Broxton fouls off a pitch May 7, 2016, at Security Service Field. (Photo by Walt Johnson)
By Walt Johnson
Mountaineer staff
The Colorado Springs Sky Sox saluted members of the Fort Carson community during the annual Fort Carson Appreciation Night May 7, 2016, at Security Service Field in Colorado Springs.
One activity after another showcased the Fort Carson mission and highlighted Family members’ roles in helping Soldiers achieve the mission. From the tailgating in the parking lot to the huge Army presence inside the stadium, there was no doubt the Army had come rolling along.
Soldiers of Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, lined up artillery guns to present a 21-gun salute after the pregame ceremonies which included post members taking part in the first pitch and singing the national anthem.
Sgt. 1st Class Alia Taylor, 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), throws a ceremonial first pitch May 7, 2016, at Security Service Field. (Photo by Walt Johnson)
Sgt. 1st Class Alia Taylor, 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), and Spc. Reavea Oates, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf,.Div., took part in the first pitch ceremony and Sgt. 1st Class Jody Manford, 4th Infantry Division Band, sang the national anthem as the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard presented the colors.
The Milwaukee Brewers triple-A affiliate, in partnership with BAE Systems and United Services Automobile Association, provided tickets to Fort Carson Soldiers for the opportunity to enjoy a baseball game with Family and friends.
Staff Sgt. Jeffery Michael Wilsey, a member of the artillery that provided the 21-gun salute, said it was a proud moment for his team to represent its unit, the Army and Soldiers all over the world in showing how the military performs its mission.
“It’s always an honor to represent the Army and to build the pride with the people of the civilian community, and we take this very seriously. We love the fact that we get to show the civilian community the training and readiness that we have to support the country’s mission. We also like showing how all the training and discipline associated with that training helps us to do what we do,” Wilsey said.
Service members and their Families can take advantage of remaining military appreciation nights June 16 and 30, 2016, and Aug. 4 and 18, 2016. Ticket vouchers, which must be exchanged for tickets at the Sky Sox box office, will be available at Information, Tickets and Registration about a week prior to each game. Call 526-5366 for more information.