CAMP RIPLEY-Members of the Minnesota National Guard visited professional baseball players behind home plate prior to Friday's Twins-White Sox game at Target Field.
The Minneapolis home of the Minnesota Twins has welcomed the community appreciation program known as Dozier's Heroes, organized by Second Baseman Brian Dozier, each season, since its establishment in 2014.
"Military outreach has always been close to my heart because of my grandfathers who served in World War II," said Dozier.
The idea of Dozier's Heroes, hosted by Dozier, provides service members and their families an opportunity to visit with players during batting practice at Target Field prior to each Friday home game.
"It's always been very important in my life to show my appreciation to our military personnel," continued Dozier.
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With over 500 "Heroes" having participated over the past three seasons, the program's intent of showing the club's support and Dozier's appreciation for America's service members is reflected in the faces of those who got to step on the field.
Recently, members of Camp Ripley's Training Support Unit had the opportunity to meet Dozier and watch batting practice prior to the Twins-White Sox game.
"For my first time at Target Field it was absolutely amazing," said David Little, husband of Sgt. Randi Little. "We had a great time meeting the Twins."
"It's humbling to be called a hero, especially when we are meeting heroes of our own," said Staff Sgt. Tim Krouth of the Camp Ripley Visitors Bureau.
In addition to meeting Dozier, service members and their guests got to meet several other players, receive autographs and share stories before the game.
As part of the program the Minnesota National Guard coordinates, with the help of the Minnesota Twins, for the opportunity of active, reserve and national guard members to attend Friday home games throughout the season.
The participants are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis and should contact their unit, organization or the Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs Office at minnesotanationalguard.org for further details.
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