KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City T-Bones are proud to announce their inaugural “Heroes Night,” a celebration of the sacrifices that the military, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS workers, 9-1-1 operators and their families make to ensure that the safety and freedoms all of us enjoy in our daily lives remain intact.  Over 1,500 of these heroes and their families are expected to attend.

The promotion, headed by the U.S. Army and the Mid-America Regional Council is scheduled for Saturday, September 1 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan.  The T-Bones are preparing a spectacular pre-game ceremony that features a flyover by F18 fighter jets, as well as a display of static emergency vehicles and military equipment throughout the parking lot and inside the stadium.  American Legion motorcycle riders, tanks and helicopters will be on hand as well.

Colonel Jeffrey R. Witsken of the United States Army is scheduled to throw out the first pitch and address the crowd prior to the game.  Colonel Witsken holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Xavier University, a master's in business administration from Embry-Riddle University and a Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.  He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army in 1981.  From 1995-97, he was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas before heading to Korea for two years.  He returned to the United States in 1999 and was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia before moving to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 2002.  He remained in Kansas until his deployment to Iraq in 2006, where he has remained since.  Colonel Witsken and his wife Jeanne have three daughters:  Jennifer, Katherine and Elizabeth.

The first-place T-Bones face off against the second-place Gary SouthShore RailCats that night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05.  Gates will open at 4:30, an hour earlier than usual.  It’s the final homestand of the regular season for Kansas City and will decide whether or not they earn a playoff berth.