Coming together is a start, working together is a success-a sentiment common in both baseball and in the military.

On September 11, 2021, the Fort Leonard Wood Mid-Missouri Chapter teamed up with the St. Louis Chapter to sponsor Military Appreciation Night at the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. This was the 27th annual event with the Cardinals; missing only for 2020.

The stands were filled with over 1,200 Service Members, military families, and veterans. Further, the Fort Leonard Wood Mid-Missouri Chapter sponsored free tickets for local Gold Star Families to attend the game. The 399th Army Band was in attendance as well as the Joint Color Guard, for the National Anthem prior to the game starting. All attendees had the honor of witnessing around 100 Service Members from all branches sworn in to Active Duty at Busch Stadium. 

MG Bonner, MSCoE Commanding General, and CSM Delapena kicked off the game by throwing the ceremonial first pitches. The game was fun-filled with the Cardinals taking home a 6-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds. 

Special thank you to Roger Layman for organizing this event and the St. Louis Chapter for co-sponsoring again this year to not only honor local military members, but supported each of our Chapters and their members.