Armed Forces take the field for Chicago Cubs Mother’s Day military spotlight

Photo By Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony L Taylor | A view from the Chicago Cubs jumbtron displays Army Reserve 1st Lt. Jiaru Bryar, 85th Support Command, waving to the crowd, with her son Mason, at the Cubs vs. Washington Nationals Mother’s Day game, May 8, at Wrigley Field. Bryar was honored during the game with retired U.S. Army Capt. Florent ‘Flo’ Groberg, Medal of Honor recipient in front of an audience of more than 37,500 in attendance. The Loyola University Chicago Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Rambler Battalion presented the nation’s colors during the singing of the National Anthem. (U.S. Army photo by Mr. Anthony L. Taylor/Released)  

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES

05.09.2016

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Anthony L Taylor 

85th Support Command

CHICAGO – Mother’s Day brought out many mothers to Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals game, May 8, to include U.S. Army Reserve 1st Lt. Jiaru Bryar.

Bryar was honored at the Cubs home game, there, throwing in a ceremonial first pitch; she also took the field, during the middle of the fourth inning, receiving a standing ovation from more than 37,500 spectators.

“It was an honor and privilege to throw out the first pitch, and represent military mothers out there,” said Bryar.

Retired U.S. Army Capt. Florent ‘Flo’ Groberg, Medal of Honor recipient, was also honored throwing in an individual ceremonial first pitch, immediately following Bryar.

Groberg received the nation’s highest military award, in 2015, for his actions while serving in Afghanistan in 2012.

The Loyola University Chicago Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Rambler Battalion presented the nation’s colors on the field during the playing of the National Anthem.

The crowd looked towards third base, during the fourth inning, as Bryar walked out onto the field with her 10-month old son, Mason, in her arm and waived at the audience.

“Wrigley Field is a historical site, and to be able to stand on the ground of so many great players is just beyond words, especially hearing the crowd cheer and support our military.”

Bryar, who emigrated from China, was recognized for her six years of service in the Army Reserve. Bryar enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2010 and achieved the rank of sergeant before later commissioning to the rank of second lieutenant.

Some of Bryar’s awards include two Army Achievement Medals, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terror Service Medal.

Bryar is assigned to the 85th Support Command, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., as an Internal Review officer.

• Date Taken: 05.09.2016
• Date Posted: 05.09.2016 15:47
• Story ID: 197699
• Location: CHICAGO, IL, US