This is a note for any DTW readers serving in the Armed Forces (and I know there are some of you out there). It’s also just a nice note regardless:
Transplanted Tigers fans currently serving the United States Armed Forces will now be able to celebrate Opening Day 2009 while on duty, home or abroad. “Operation Opening Day,” a three-hour DVD containing the entire FOX Sports Detroit telecast of the Tigers 15-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on April 10, as well as pre-game festivities and post-game interviews and highlights, is available for all active members of the military.
The DVD is a gift from Mario Impemba, play-by-play announcer on FOX Sports Detroit, in cooperation with the Tigers and Major League Baseball Productions.
“In an effort to bring a piece of home to our men and women serving in the Armed Forces around the world, I’m honored to be able to provide this presentation of Opening Day 2009 and thank all of them for their brave service to our country,” Impemba said. “I hope everyone enjoys the sights and sounds of Opening Day in Detroit, a tradition that dates back over 100 years and brings the city together each spring.”
Soldiers, as well as family and friends of soldiers, can request this special gift at Tigers.com/operationopeningday. Once at the web site, complete the form with a valid military address – APO, SPO or FPO address, military base or ship address. “Operation Opening Day” will be mailed solely to valid military addresses as the gift is intended for the men and women currently serving our country. Quantities are limited and requests will be fulfilled as received.
“Operation Opening Day” is part of the Detroit Tigers year-round support of soldiers and veterans. Each year, the Detroit Tigers hold a special game to honor and recognize the sacrifice of the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces and those that have served before them. The Detroit Tigers also visit veterans at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Detroit Medical Center throughout the season.
And fortunately the Tigers put on a heck of a show for the Opener.
Nice gesture. I know there’s not much that would make me happier when away from home than a healthy dose of baseball.
I was completely caught off guard today when the package with the DVD came through our mail room here at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Let me just say thank you so very much for sending this important piece of home all the way over here. I’ve been a Tiger fan since I could hold a baseball, through the world championship in 1984 to the World Series in 2006 and all the lean years in between…what a nice morale boost to receive the DVD while on my current deployment.
Sincerely,
MSG Tom Clementson
CJTF-82, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan