Cincinnati Marine, Iraq Vet to Throw Out First Pitch at July 4 Reds Game

The Thank You Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring veterans and active duty service members, announced today that Lance Cpl. Sean Hassler, a local Marine who recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, will have the honor of throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at the July 4, 2007 Cincinnati Reds game against the San Francisco Giants. The Reds worked with The Thank You Foundation to recognize Hassler and arranged for him to participate in the pre-game ceremony.

“This is a tremendous way to show LCpl Hassler how much this area appreciates his service to our country,” said John Guinn, Founder and President of The Thank You Foundation. “While throwing out a first pitch, he will be representing the thousands of soldiers still serving in the Middle East, as well as the hundreds of thousands that are serving or have served in our armed forces. We thank the Reds for their recognition of our troops, and extend a special thank you to all of our soldiers who add significant meaning to Independence Day.”

LCpl Hassler has spent the last five months in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Division. He returned home on Friday, June 22, and was escorted from the Dayton International Airport to his home in Fairfield by a team of Patriot Guard Riders, led by Ride Captain, Paul Santiago. The escort also included State of Ohio Help on the Homefront Coordinator, Terri “Gumby” Monnin, as well as members of The Thank You Foundation who presented LCpl Hassler with a Certificate of Appreciation for his service. The foundation will also honor World War II Veteran Albert Starke on Wednesday with a Certificate of Appreciation. Mr. Starke will share in the honor of throwing out a first pitch along with LCpl Hassler.

About The Thank You Foundation

The Thank You Foundation, a non-partisan, non-profit organization is dedicated to enhancing the lives of the men and women of the Armed Forces and their family members. The goal of the foundation is to implement and administer programs and services designed to carry out a mission of appreciation, educate the public about the sacrifices our military personnel make and provide soldiers and veterans with times of enjoyment, relaxation, recreation and help when they have a personal need.

For more information about how to support a Veteran or Service Member, please visit the foundation web site at www.thethankyoufoundation.org or call toll free at 1-877-280-8893.