USTRANSCOM Color Guard opens American Legion Baseball World Series
Breitenstein, who has been an American Legion Auxiliary member for more than 12 years, first arranged for the USTRANSCOM members to go to the 2002 series. Some years ago, I mentioned to Jim Quinlan, the Legion baseball national program coordinator, about the fantastic joint service color guard unit we had at USTRANSCOM, Breitenstein said.
I said wouldnt it be great if we could showcase some fine young military personnel at this prestigious event, and to make a long story short, we did, added Breitenstein. The color guard members were invited guests of the American Legion and their transportation, meals and lodging were all paid by the Legion.
In 2003 the group was again selected to open the show in Bartlesville, Va. According to Breitenstein, during 2004 and 2005, the American Legion funding and other circumstances prevented an invitation to the color guard.
At the World Series, the Legion incorporates patriotism and respect for the flag into the ceremonial events, Breitenstein said. There is a pre-tournament banquet the evening prior to the first game. Colors are presented and typically a unit presents a POW-MIA reading. They also present the Colors at the World Series opening game.
This year, the group will drive to Iowa on 16 or 17 August and participate in the banquet, Breitenstein said. They will also post the Colors at one of two games and they will visit the nearby Iowa City Veterans Administration Medical Center to meet and great military veterans at the facility.
It will be a busy three days, Breitenstein added. But a trip which I know the participating members will find extremely rewarding and fun.
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