Tandem Team Jumps into Cincinnati Reds Game Two #ArmyStrong

 It was another demonstration jump into the Cincinnati Reds game for the Tandem Team tonite. This time the Team jumped for the opening ceromonies for the 4th Annual Civil Rights Game. Many celebrities and heros were in attendance for the opening ceromony. Among those were legendary baseball star and Hall of Famer Willie Mays, Harry Belafonte, Billie Jean King. Hall of Famer Ernie Banks threw out the first pitch right after the Team jumped the Game ball in. Roberta Flack sang “Imagine” prior to the National Anthem. As the National Anthem played Soldiers and Future Soldiers from the Cincinatti area unfurled the large flag in the outfield.

 

It was then time for the Tandem Team to perform. Right on schedule SFC Mike Elliott led SGT Joe Abeln, SGT Jon Ewald and SGT Jared Zell into the stadium. The crowd once again roared as SFC Elliott entered the stadium flying the Army Flag. Again tonite SGT Zell flew in the Reds flag and as you could imagine the stadium erupted with applause. SFC Elliott dropped of the Civil Rights Game ball to the pitchers mound and we hurried off the field.

 

We were invited to Cincinnati Reds owners Bob and Susan Castellini personal box to watch the game and talk about Mrs Castellini’s tandem jump earlier in the week. We didn’t expect we would meet what seemed like the entire Castellini family. They are strong supporters of the US Military. It was an honor to meet with their family. While visiting with the family, Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory  and Football Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz, offensive tackle for the Bengals stopped by. We joked about a tandem jump for them as well. 

 

It was a great night for the Team and even better for the Reds as they held off a 9th inning charge by the Cardinals with an amazing play at home plate.

 

That is it for the Tandem Team from Cincinnati. Next stop is home, Fort Bragg, NC. Its been an amazing two weeks of tandem camps. Next event for the Tandem Team will be the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, NC.

 

Photos:

SGT Joe Abeln captures SGT Jared Zell flying the Reds flag over the Cincinnati skyline

 

Over the stadium

 

SFC Mike Elliott enters the stadium

 

SGT Joe Abeln flies in front the large HD screen

 

Mayor Mark Mallory

 

The Team ran into Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo

 

SFC Elliott signs a brochure