Nationals step up to support military kids and their friends

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Worries about deployments, permanent change of station orders and other facts of military life were put aside at least for a little while Aug. 1, as a group of local military kids and their families took in a Washington Nationals game, courtesy of the Major League Baseball team and the USO.

Through the Me and a Friend program, military children can receive complimentary tickets for themselves and a friend to enjoy a Nationals game.

"It's really great for keeping the families active and busy," said Pi Godfrey of Broad Run.

Godfrey, whose husband Tim serves with the Virginia National Guard, was at the game with her husband and the couple's son, Cuu. Tim Godfrey deployed two separate times for a year each to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Although the Nats came up short in the game against the Philadelphia Phillies, that did not diminish the Godfrey family's enjoyment of the game.

"This is really great," added Pi Godfrey.

The program was designed by the USO in cooperation with various partner organizations and in consultation with the Department of Defense to recognize the unique challenges and sacrifices made by the children of military service members, especially those who have a parent who is deployed. The Nationals and USO partnered for the game with the nonprofit group Our Military Kids, which provides support to the children of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members and to the children of severely injured service members through grants for enrichment activities and tutoring.

"The USO wanted to partner with groups like Our Military Kids and others to make sure our military kids and their families are recognized," said Kevin Wensing, vice president and assistant to USO president Sloan Gibson. "I think people get an appreciation for the sacrifices they go through. The USO will be there until they all come home."

Army wife Sally Perez of Fort Belvoir attended the game with her 6-year old daughter, 4-year old niece, and her sister. Perez's husband has been deployed to Afghanistan since March.

"We decided to enjoy the day," she said. "It means a lot to my daughter. It means enjoyment, excitement. Opportunities like this we don't get everyday."

Nationals President Stan Kasten said the team is honored to be the first organization to partner with the USO in support of the Me and a Friend program.

"This program continues the Nationals tradition of recognizing members of the military and their families during our games, and we appreciate the opportunity to express our gratitude to those who sacrifice so much for this country," he said.

The program continues every Sunday throughout the rest of the season.

"We're excited to be the first team to do this, proud to be the first team to do this," said Israel Negron, director of community relations for the Nationals. "As more teams find out about this we hope they jump on board."

Military families can visit usometro.org/tickets to check on ticket availability for the remaining games.

"The USO is reaching out to professional sports teams across the United States and partnering with local military organizations to support military kids across the country through this program," noted Gibson.

Military editor Julia LeDoux can be reached at 703-369-5718.