William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital

American Flag at Welcome Home Game 2010

Veterans recently returned from their service in Iraq and Afghanistan will be welcomed home at a special Madison Mallards baseball game at the team’s Warner Park “Duck Pond” July 23. The program is sponsored by the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and its Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn outreach effort.

Free game tickets will be provided to returning veterans of the U.S. armed forces and immediate family members. The event will include information booths on veterans benefits and other resources, along with a free ball cap and tickets for free meals for veterans and their families. Participating veterans will be honored during the National Anthem, and a veteran will be selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

“This is a great opportunity for us to not only honor our veterans, but also to provide them with information about the benefits they’ve earned from their service,” said Linda Boatner of the Madison VA Hospital’s transition team aimed at veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“These veterans have earned important and valuable benefits, but they can’t take advantage of these programs if they don’t know about them,” Boatner said. “This night at the ballpark will provide important information in the fun and relaxing environment of America’s pastime.”

Information booths on federal health benefits for returning veterans will open at 4:30 p.m. Game time is 6:05 p.m.

Tickets for veterans and their families are limited and must be reserved in advance. Interested veterans can reserve tickets by emailing ReturningVetsBaseball@va.gov or calling 608-280-7285.