By: ALLIE McBRIEN
tbonesbaseball.com

The Kansas City T-Bones have a deep appreciation for those who serve in the United States military. That appreciation rose to a new level in 2015.

The T-Bones and the United States Army’s Department of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) teamed up to honor local military with designated military appreciation seats at every T-Bones home game during the 2015 season.

The T-Bones have an annual Military Appreciation night, but Kansas City wanted to show its support and appreciation for the military at every home game. With the partnership between the T-Bones and the Fort Leavenworth FMWR, the 2015 season was the first time specific seats were reserved for the honorees.

Before the season began, the honored military personnel were selected by the Command Sergeant Majors in the various units at Fort Leavenworth (Kansas). The 50 soldiers and their families were recognized in all 50 home games, during the 2015 season.

“As a proud son of a Marine Corps veteran, I’m happy that the T-Bones are able to thank our servicemen and women in this manner,” said T-Bones president Adam Ehlert, whose father and T-Bones owner, John Ehlert, served in the United States Marine Corps, including nine months in Vietnam as a combat correspondent.

The soldiers and their families received VIP treatment at every game at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, with a reserved front-row parking spot in front of the stadium. They were then escorted to seats located directly behind home plate and were later recognized in the second inning.

The soldiers and their families were shown on the new video board, as their names and accomplishments were announced throughout the stadium. The positive response of the seats was very apparent every game, as CommunityAmerica Ballpark filled with applause from T-Bones fans and players as they thanked the soldiers for their service.

“The second inning brought chills to my family and me each night when our fans rose in ovation for the seats’ recipients,” said Adam Ehlert. “And that was the best part—we only provided the forum, but our fans provided the real appreciation.”

This Veterans Day, the Kansas City T-Bones would like to thank service men and women, as well as their families. Your service, sacrifice and courage to protect our country is deeply appreciated.