Orioles announce 2015 military appreciation efforts

With Memorial Day Weekend approaching, the Orioles have announced their season-long efforts to honor members of our Armed Forces. The club is fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated military personnel throughout the region, and grateful for all of those who risk their lives each day for our country. More than 6,800 members of our military have died, and more than 50,000 have been wounded, during combat since 2001.

Again this season, the club is offering a variety of programs that offer support for and recognition of military members and their families.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES

On Monday, May 25, the Orioles will hold special pre-game ceremonies in recognition of Memorial Day. Ceremonies include a presentation of the colors by Defense Information School Joint Color Guard; a ceremonial first pitch delivered by Col. Brian Foley, Garrison Commander of U.S. Army Fort Meade 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment; and the national anthem performed by Sg. Ian Bowling from the U.S. Army Field Band. Nine active duty soldiers will take the field with Orioles players just prior to the national anthem. Additionally, the first 20,000 fans 15 and over will receive a Stars and Stripes BBQ Apron.

All Orioles uniformed personnel will wear a special home jersey featuring an authentic, military-digital camouflage design licensed from the United States Marine Corps embedded into the twill (Orioles script, name, number) as well as a digicamo-patterned cap featuring the cartoon bird. These jerseys and caps will be autographed, authenticated, and auctioned on www.orioles.com/auction beginning Monday, May 25, at 1:00 p.m. ET and ending Monday, June 1 at 10:00 p.m. Proceeds from this auction will support the Fort Meade Alliance which is committed to establishing an Education and Resiliency Center on Fort Meade and is raising the necessary funding to benefit Kuhn Hall for the service members, their families, and Department of Defense civilians who support the critical missions on post.

MLB and the Orioles will also join the National Moment of Remembrance, where all Clubs with games in progress or about to begin will pause to observe a moment of silence at approximately 3:00 p.m. followed by a one-minute commemorative video. MLB has participated in the initiative since 1997.

ORIOLES MILITARY APPRECIATION PROGRAM

• TICKET DISCOUNTS AT EVERY GAME - The Orioles extend a $5 discount on all tickets for military members and their families, available at the Oriole Park Box Office. Other discounts for military members can be arranged by contacting their Information, Tickets, and Travel Office (ITT/Leisure Travel office).

• ACTIVE DUTY SPECIAL OFFER - All Active Duty Personnel are encouraged to show their active duty ID badge to a representative in the Fan Assistance Center in the Warehouse at any home game to receive a complimentary Orioles cap.

• SUNDAY SUITE PROGRAM presented by GEICO - On every Sunday home game, the Orioles, in partnership with GEICO, donate a catered private suite to wounded service members and other active duty, veteran, and military organizations. Guests are also treated to a special player meet and greet before the game, recognition after the playing of "God Bless America" during the 7^th inning stretch and complimentary Orioles player t-shirts. Participating players in 2015 include Zach Britton, Brad Brach, Chris Davis, J.J. Hardy, Tommy Hunter, Darren O'Day, Chris Tillman and Matt Wieters. The United Services Organizations, Wounded Warrior Project, Yellow Ribbon Fund, Operation Homefront, Marine Corps League, The Mission Continues, Team RWB, The 6^th Branch, Got Your 6, Red Circle Foundation, Warrior Events, and Fort Meade are among the organizations that have participated in the program.

• WELCOME HOME SCOREBOARD MESSAGES - The Orioles are proud to offer complimentary "Welcome Home" messages on Oriole Park's centerfield video board for all active military personnel returning home from duty. To reserve a message for an upcoming game, families should call 888-848-BIRD.

• AT&T MILITARY MESSAGES - AT&T is dedicated to supporting active military personnel, veterans, and their families. At select Sunday home games, AT&T and the Orioles invite the family of a deployed military service man or woman to be their guest of the game. During a designated inning, this family is featured on the centerfield video board as AT&T's special guests.

PLAYERS GIVE BACK TICKET PROGRAM

The Orioles donate 500 tickets to every Sunday home game (6,500 total) to military members in conjunction with Fort Meade as part of the Players Give Back program. In addition, hundreds of tickets have been donated to the following military groups so far in 2015: Operation Warrior Wishes, TAPS, The Air Force, The U.S. Army Reserves, MCVETS, and numerous military families.

DARREN O'DAY PARTNERS WITH USO AND LUKE'S WINGS

Again this season, Darren O'Day will make a donation based on his on-field performance to Luke's Wings, a non-profit military organization dedicated to the support of current and former service members who have been wounded in battle. O'Day will donate $50 for every batter he strikes out, after having raised $3,650 for Luke's Wings in 2014 with a $50 per strikeout donation and a career-high 73 strikeouts.

Luke's Wings provides families with the means to visit injured service members during their hospitalization and rehabilitation. By purchasing travel agency services and travel tickets for loved ones, Luke's Wings provides an immediate and invaluable service to the families of our servicemen and servicewomen while also helping to encourage and motivate the service member's recovery or provide comfort during the final stages of life. Luke's Wings also partners with other non-profits who can provide free or discounted services, including accommodations, meals, and local entertainment.