By Senior Airman Kayla Newman
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HAMPTON, Va. - In honor of the armed forces, the Norfolk Tides changed their home jerseys to a blue, digital-camouflage print for Armed Forces Night, May 17. The Tides hosted the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Va.
The Norfolk Tides celebrated the U.S. military with their 18th annual Armed Forces Night, paying tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines for their dedication and service to the nation.
“It is refreshing to see the community supporting service men and women,” said John Griffin, a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer.
A moment of silence was observed prior to the start of the game in honor of fallen U.S. service members, as well as those currently deployed across the world.
A group of young men and women in the Delayed Entry Program volunteered to serve the U.S. military by taking the Oath of Enlistment, with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bryan Watson, Joint Staff J7 Joint Force Development vice director, administering the oath.
The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band also participated in the ceremony by performing a medley consisting of each service’s official song, followed by the national anthem.
Six superior performers from each branch of the military threw the first pitch of the game. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sussie Sarah Nu’uvali, 128th Aviation Brigade noncommissioned officer of the year for 2012, represented the Army.
Representing the U.S. Air Force was Senior Airman Jessica Kettering, 633rd Air Base Wing bioenvironmental engineer. Kettering was named the 633rd ABW 2012 Junior Enlisted Airman of the Year.
Kettering said it was a privilege to stand beside the other superior performers from every other branch of service and feel the support from the community.
“It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get here,” said Kettering. “It is definitely an honor to be representing the Air Force on Armed Forces Night.”
Other service members also shared Kettering’s sentiment.
“Not only did I feel a sense of duty, but I felt others were recognizing that service men and women put the needs of the country and others above their own,” explained Navy Aviation Boatswain Mate Airman Michael Costello, USS Abraham Lincoln.
The 8,285 fans in attendance cheered the Tides on throughout the game. Despite a late rally, the Tides fell to the Ironpigs, 8-7.
Although the Tides did not win, they still ended the night on a high note by giving one last salute to the U.S. armed forces with the presentation of fireworks.