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Their 'American Spirit' Earns
Salt Lake Bees Baseball Team Air Force Award
(August 31, 2009) |
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Tony Parks and Mr. Greg Miller (rear) of the
Salt Lake Bees Triple-A baseball team, thank members of the 368th
Recruiting Squadron for their service. The Bees were presented Air
Force Recruiting Service's top civic award, the American Spirit
Award, following the game Aug. 22, at Spring Mobile Park in Salt
Lake City, Utah. |
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (8/25/2009 - AFNS
Before a sold-out
crowd of more than 17,000 fans, the Salt Lake Bees Triple-A baseball team was
presented the Air Force Recruiting Service's most prestigious award, the
American Spirit Award, here Aug. 22.
Col. Mark Ward, 372nd Recruiting Group commander, presented the award to Greg
Miller, chief executive officer for Larry H. Miller Group of Companies that owns
the Bees, during a ceremony following the team's 8-3 win over the Las Vegas 51s.
"The American Spirit Award recognizes those individuals or organizations who
show unwavering support for the mission of the United States Air Force and Air
Force recruiting, " Colonel Ward said during the presentation. "Past winners include Bob Hope, the Indianapolis Colts
and the St. Louis Cardinals. Tonight we add the Salt Lake Bees to
that list of winners." |
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The Bees were nominated for the continuous support they have
provided to the 368th Recruiting Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The Bees
have assisted the 368th RCS in their recruiting efforts by hosting numerous
Military Appreciation and Air Force nights, granting recruiters unlimited access
to all home games and providing advertising opportunities.
Prior to the evening's game, fans got an up-close look at a full-size F-16
Fighting Falcon, painted like a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird, or experienced the
extreme equilibrium ride as part of the Air Force's "Engage Tour." Recruiters
also engaged the crowd throughout the game by handing out "Thundersticks" and
launching t-shirts into the stands.
"Our relationship with the Bees started three years ago and we've seen a
measurable increase in recruiting in one of the 368th's most challenging
recruiting markets," said Senior Master Sgt. William Bialcak, chief of the 368th
RCS marketing and training flight. "The Bees have bent over backward to help us
out and the successful relationship has been mutually beneficial."
Colonel Ward added that the Bees support goes beyond a partnership and that the
team truly believes in what the Air Force does.
"They have been phenomenal in their support," the colonel said.
Upon accepting the award, Mr. Miller said they were very grateful to receive the
prestigious award and thanked all members of the Armed Forces for their service.
In its 29th year, the American Spirit Award was first presented in 1980 to
legendary comedian and actor Bob Hope | |
Article and photo by Christa D'Andrea
Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
Copyright 2009
Reprinted from
Air Force News Service
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