Heroes of the Diamond visit Battlefield Heroes

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IRAQ

09.23.2008

Story by Pfc. Evan Loyd 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

By Pfc. Evan Loyd
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The Heroes of the Diamond Tour brought three retired Major League Baseball players to Forward Operating Base Hammer, Sept. 23, 2008.

The Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored event featured Dean Palmer, Sterling Hitchcock and Andy Ashby.

This wasn't the first time Palmer has gone on tour to visit deployed Soldiers.

"I went on a tour in Afghanistan in May. It was a great trip and I met some great people," said Palmer. "It felt so good I wanted to do more."

While the Soldiers enjoyed the stories, the players were in turn impressed by the Soldiers' daily sacrifices.

"It's a great opportunity to give something back to the troops," Ashby said. "It means a lot to me to actually see what the troops are going through."

The Heroes of the Diamond Tour will be touring Iraq for 10 days. The former major leaguers said that while Soldiers might be out of sight, they are never out of mind.

"I pray for their safety and thank them for being out here fighting for our freedom," Ashby said.

Soldiers in attendance appreciated seeing the former baseball stars.

"It's inspirational to know that people back home who are heroes can come over here and know that America still supports its troops," said Pfc. Colt Southon, from Great Falls, Mont., a Soldier in 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery.

• Date Taken: 09.23.2008
• Date Posted: 09.25.2008 07:39
• Story ID: 24126
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ