ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Aberdeen Proving Ground military leaders, Soldiers and vehicles guest starred in the annual Military Appreciation Night festivities at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen Aug. 28. A Ripken Stadium press release announcing the special evening stated: "On Tuesday night at Ripken Stadium, we're celebrating the heroes, not of balls and strikes, but of stars and stripes."

The APG contingent led the pre-game festivities prior to the Aberdeen IronBirds game versus the Brooklyn Cyclones.

Leading off was APG and CECOM commander Maj. Gen. Robert S. Ferrell who greeted the crowd via a videotaped message on the stadium Jumbotron. Then, APG Garrison Commander, Col. Gregory McClinton led an ID tag presentation for a group of new recruits. McClinton was joined by APG and CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Kennis Dent and APG Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. James Ervin.

The three leaders threw out ceremonial first pitches after League of Dreams baseball players and brothers Patrick and Connor Smith. The installation Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program and Morale, Welfare and Recreation supports League of Dreams activities during the leagues' summer baseball program in Churchville, Md.

The crowd stood silent -- most with their hands over their hearts - as the color guard from Company C, 22d Chemical Battalion (TE) marched onto the field and presented the colors and as Staff Sgt. Larry Jones from Company A 22d Chemical Battalion (TE) sang the national anthem.

Other APG elements to the evening included a BOSS display in the promenade area near the main entrance; armored vehicles -- a HMMWV, M-ATV, Stryker and Buffalo assault vehicle - from the Army Test and Evaluation Command's Aberdeen Test Center and a giant motorized Kevlar helmet from the Visual Information Services Center.

Between innings APG leaders, Soldiers and recruits joined in friendly games, including a tug of war and a push up competition between innings. View more photos at flickr.com/photos/usagapg.