Military, Reservists recognized at Oklahoma City baseball game

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jon Quinlan
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Local military members and their families were recognized by The Oklahoma City RedHawks minor league baseball organization during a game on July 27, at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The military appreciation game included a special presentation of a U.S. flag, ceremonial first pitch, an oath of enlistment, the singing of "God Bless America" by a Navy Seaman and special recognition of recently deployed Airmen.

Representing Tinker Air Force Base, Col. Russell Muncy, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander thanked the crowd before the game for their unwavering support to the military, Team Tinker and the Guard and Reserve.

"We truly do appreciate all that you're doing and all that you have done for the members of Tinker Air Force Base," Col. Muncy said.

The colonel threw out the first pitch to start the festivities.

As part of the events, 26 new recruits enlisted in the Air Force before the 2nd inning. The oath of enlistment was administered by Col. Muncy on the 3rd base line.

Nearly 50 volunteers from 72nd Air Base Wing, 507th Air Refueling Wing, 552nd Air Control Wing, U.S. Navy Strategic Communications Wing One and the Air Logistics Center held a huge U.S. flag during the national anthem before the game. Navy Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class Trautyka Butler, VQ-7 sang "God Bless America" in the middle of the 5th inning.

The major events wrapped up by giving special recognition to several Airmen that recently returned from deployments to Southwest Asia.