Nats, USO and Microsoft Salute the Troops

On Sunday, the Nationals teamed up with the USO and Microsoft for an all-out military appreciation day to say thank you to local servicemen and women who continue to make sacrifices overseas and here at home. "This is a big deal for us," said USO Metro DC president Elaine Rogers. "It's a great way for volunteers to come together to say thank you to our troops and their families." Wounded warriors were treated to a special pre-game BBQ while over 100 volunteers made care packages for children of deployed soldiers. Another 500 military personnel came to take in the Nationals game with their families. The volunteers packed over 5,000 backpacks full of school supplies for children of military families in the D.C. area. They were joined by All-Star Matt Capps and outfielder Josh Willingham. "It's going to make a lot of kids happy, making those backpacks for them," said Willingham. "It's also encouraging to see all the volunteers up there. They didn't have to be there, but they came here to do that so that's also encouraging." Microsoft has been hosting A Salute to Our Troops events since 2007. Additionally, during each Sunday afternoon game, the Nationals host military families as part of their new "Me and a Friend" program.