MILWAUKEE - This past season, the Milwaukee Brewers major-league baseball team demonstrated that patriotism is also part of the national pastime.
Before seven home games at Miller Park in Milwaukee, the Brewers recognized Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 64th Troop Command and the 426th Regiment, as well as the state Soldier of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and the Recruiting and Retention Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
According to 1st Lt. Brian Schwalbach, resource manager with the Wisconsin Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, the joint effort focused on recognizing soldiers who recently extended, deployed or had an outstanding achievement.
"The effort was received by the [brigades] with open arms," Schwalbach said. "It was a great opportunity to recognize our troops in front of up to 40,000 fans."
"We are committed to supporting those who serve in our armed forces, and the recognition program is a way for us to do so on a local level," said Tyler Barnes, Milwaukee Brewers vice president of communications. "Our armed forces personnel make innumerable sacrifices in order to protect and serve our country. The Guard introductions allowed the Brewers and fans to show appreciation for those efforts."
Barnes said he noticed something remarkable after each recognition event.
"Without fail, as each of the participants left the field, fans stood in the aisles to once again salute and thank the personnel for their service," Barnes said. "It was very moving to see the genuine appreciation shown by fans but also incredible to see how much it meant to the personnel."