As their 2010 Winter Caravan rolled into Fort Belvoir, the Washington Nationals faced a daunting task: getting hundreds and hundreds of Operation USO Care Packages stuffed and ready to send to deploying troops. Luckily they had support in the form of Wounded Warriors, a JROTC group, USO Metro staff and volunteers and – of course – Screech, their mascot.
Prospects Danny Espinosa and Drew Storen, current player Ryan Speier, manager Jim Riggleman, Nationals Senior VP & General Manager Mike Rizzo, and Mid-Atlantic Sports Network Analyst Rob Dibble got the job done, dropping toiletries, snacks, games, and other items into the USO’s signature Care Package bags and showing their fans and new friends a great time along the way.
Here’s a photo essay recapping this great event. Look for video soon!
The USO warehouse at Fort Belvoir is home to Operation USO Care Package. (USO Photo by Em Hall)
Nats' players and prospects lined up next to Troops as they stuffed the care packages. (USO Photo by Em Hall)
Screech and members of the Hayfield Secondary School JROTC get the job done. (USO Photo by Em Hall)
A view from the top as players and volunteers work the assembly line. (USO Photo by Em Hall)
Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman is interviewed for On Patrol magazine. (USO Photo by Em Hall)
It didn't matter if you were wearing a baseball jersey or fatigues: teamwork was the spirit of the day! (USO Photo by Em Hall)
The Care Packages were flying fast and furious as volunteers whisked them down the line. (USO Photo by Em Hall)
Colonel Jerry L. Blixt, the Garrison Commander at Fort Belvoir greets a JROTC volunteer. (USO Photo by Em Hall)
Boots vs. Cleats: who would win? We go with boots! (USO Photo by Em Hall)
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I love the Nats and the USO. Wish I was back home at Fort Belvoir to volunteer with this, but the USO at Fort Hood is keeping me busy!