Olympians Not Our Only Heroes: Local Competition Honors Tri-State Area Troops –

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Aug 19, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — While all eyes turn to our nation\’s Olympians overseas, scores of local American heroes of another ilk will be celebrated during a competition closer to home. Troops from every Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard command in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey have been invited to take part in \”Calling All Guards\” at KeySpan Park at 1904 Surf Avenue in Brooklyn on Thursday, August 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Calling All Guards is presented by the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team and the US Family Health Plan at Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers, a Department of Defense-designated healthcare plan that serves local military families. The competition will include an array of athletic training drills from various sports, although details are being kept under wraps until event day to heighten excitement.

All teams will be honored during an on-field ceremony from 6:15 – 6:30 p.m., prior to the Cyclones\’ Military Appreciation game against the Oneonta Tigers. The triumphant team of troops will receive a trophy (the Calling All Guards Cup) and throw out the first pitch. In addition, those who show their military ID at the box office that day will receive box seats for just $10 for the 7 p.m. game.