Express to Host Military Appreciation Night

ROUND ROCK, Texas - They fight for our freedom, putting their lives on the line and many give the ultimate sacrifice. On Monday, May 25, the Round Rock Express will honor our nation's military with Military Appreciation Night presented by USAA and the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System.

The Round Rock Express players and coaches will don jerseys with a special and very personal touch. Back in February, the Express asked fans to nominate an active or retired military member to be honored on Express jerseys. Due to the overwhelming response we received, we turned those names into not just one specialty jersey, but three versions featuring over 400 different names. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game in a silent auction with proceeds benefiting Guardian for Heroes Foundation and Base Camp 40/Warriors in the Wild.

Before the game, a 1^st Calvary Band bugler will play taps as we hold a moment of silence for our fallen servicemen and women. During the National Anthem, military children will join the Express players on the field as that night's "Baseball Buddies." Each child will carry a pair of boots and place them on the field in honor of a fallen soldier. Former Marine, Sgt. Jeff Kyle will throw out the night's ceremonial first pitch in honor of his brother, former Navy SEAL and "American Sniper" Chris Kyle. Scott Brown, lead singer of the Scooter Brown Band and former Marine will perform God Bless America in the middle of the 7^th inning.

During the game, the Marine Corps will have a swearing in ceremony on the field. We will also recognize Debbie Lee, mother of Navy SEAL Marc Lee, and a Gold Star mom.

In a unique partnership with the RideSafe program, the Express along with RideScout, Brown Distributing and Budweiser will charter a bus from Fort Hood to Dell Diamond to ensure that Fort Hood soldiers can relax and enjoy an Express game with a designated driver.

The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System will host an expo in the United Heritage Center full of benefits and services for our active duty servicemen and women, veterans and their families.

Additionally all fans in attendance can enjoy $1 hot dogs and sodas courtesy of Mrs Bairds.

Please note no pyrotechnics will be used on this night out of respect for veterans and active military members affected by post-traumatic stress disorder.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. as the Express take on the El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres affiliate). For tickets and more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Follow the Express on Facebook and Twitter!