Friday, May 04, 2007

Arizona Team Expressing Appreciation for Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

May 2, 2007 – The Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team is using its May 6 game against the New York Mets to say thank you to the nation's troops. The team has declared May 6 "
Military Appreciation Day," and is providing free game tickets to all holders of a valid military identification card.

The Diamondbacks also are providing a way for fans to e-mail messages of support to servicemembers. People can voice their appreciation by going to amerciasupportsyou@dbacks.com.

America Supports You is a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with members of the
military and their families at home and abroad. A link to the Diamondbacks e-mail page also is available through www.americasupportsyou.mil.

Troops also can send messages home using the same e-mail address, said Tara Trzinski, the Diamondbacks' senior coordinator for community affairs.

"It's a unique shout-out program," she said. "This incorporates our fans that aren't at the game, including the fans that may be serving overseas."

The messages will be read on the air during the game, which will air live at 4:40 p.m. EDT on network carriers in the United States as well as
Armed Forces Network. If live coverage of the game is bumped for continuing coverage of the NBA playoffs, Trzinski said, it will air on a delayed basis.

The Diamondbacks also will host a drive for Packages From Home, Phoenix-based America Supports You home-front group, throughout the teams' six-game homestand beginning tomorrow.

Fans can bring canned food goods, personal and hygiene supplies and recreational items to any Diamondbacks game leading up to
Military Appreciation Day and drop it off at the designated locations on the plaza. All items will be sent to troops overseas.

Article sponsored by
Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.

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