Marlins visit HARB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lou Burton
  • 482d Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD, Fla. --  The Homestead Air Reserve Base hosted Major League players from the Florida Marlins on Thursday, Feb. 17 for a "Pro's and Joes" baseball game. The free, family event drew in 500 members of the base and local community.

The event was part of the Marlins military appreciation tour. The Marlins players in attendance were Mr. Gaby Sanchez, Mr. Logan Morrison, Mr. Mike Stanton, Mr. Omar Infante, Mr. Leo Nuñez, Mr. Emilio Bonifacio, Mr. Scott Cousins, Mr. Ozzie Martinez and Mr. Bryan Petersen, representing the Marlins as the 2011 Caravan for the Troops.

Players spent the first half of the day touring the base and signing autographs.
"Taking a tour of the customs black hawk helicopter and the F-16 was great," Mr. Cousins said. "Those are amazing machines. When I was a young kid, my dream was to fly an F-16, so being able to see one up close was a real treat for me."

Afterwards they took to the Homestead ARB baseball field and played a mixed game with some of the base's local league of players.

"I really enjoy interacting with all of our fans, but especially on a day like today with the troops, because they're the reason why we get to play a game for a living," Mr. Cousins said. "It was a really, really enjoyable experience for me."

"The Marlins chose Homestead ARB to visit, and we were honored to have them out here," said Col Donald Lindberg, 482d Commander." In addition we honored some members of the greatest generation in America, WWII veterans from the Miami VA hospital. "

"It means a lot to me, but I'm not here for me," Mr. Stanton said. "I'm here to give back to the troops. We had a great time out here, and I am glad I was a part of it."

Mr. Morrison traveled overseas to visit members of the Armed Forces in Germany and Bahrain earlier this month.

"Anytime you can add a little excitement to someone's day is great," Morrison said. "Just seeing all their faces and knowing that we have helped make their day better is a great feeling."

Everyone young and old found entertainment in the endless activities. There were bounce houses for kids, games and prizes, demonstrations by the base fire department and the Explosive Ordinance Device team. A DJ played musical favorites and Customs and Border Patrol provided a flyover with a Blackhawk helicopter.