Nationals offer record number of free tickets to military Published June 24, 2009 By Capt. Elizabeth Kreft Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- The Washington Nationals will open their gates free of charge to more than 2,000 military personnel and their family members Independence Day Weekend. The team identified July 3-5 as "a natural fit" to distribute tickets to their military fans. The weekend will include a fireworks display Friday evening and player autographs Sunday afternoon. A total of 2,400 tickets have been distributed to the Pentagon, Andrews and Bolling Air Force Bases and Fort Belvoir. "One of the primary missions of the team is to be good community partners," said Israel Negron, Washington Nationals community relations director. "We value the relationship we have with the military, and this national holiday weekend is a perfect opportunity to show some of our appreciation." The Major League Baseball team has offered free access to games for military families in the past, but this is the single largest offering of tickets since the franchise came to the National Capital Region in 2005. "We want to make a statement to our local military family members that we consider them our neighbors," said Mr. Negron. "And want them to always feel welcome here." The organization has already shown its support for military service members by hosting wounded soldiers from Walter Reed Army Hospital and the National Naval Medical Center at every home game. They don't stop at free seats. In between innings the staff highlights military guests with a video tribute, and the fans never fail to offer a standing ovation. "I think this is a great way to reach out, and I'm going to try to get some of those tickets," said Lt. Col. Thomas Wand, Air Force Global Strike Command (P) judge advocate general staff. "I've seen the respectful way the Nationals treat military members during games, and it shows how much they appreciate our sacrifices." The tickets will be released on a first-come, first-served basis June 29. Any active duty member can claim tickets from the following offices, but for more information on how to get tickets, call these numbers based on your military organization and location: Pentagon Army, Navy and Marines: (703) 697-3816 Air Force and Coast Guard: (703) 697-9866 OSD/JCS: (703) 695-5338 Bolling (202) 498-3159 Andrews (301) 440-9887