MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY

The San Diego Celebrity Classic had its 4 th annual Military Appreciation Day presented by TriWest Healthcare Alliance, to honor the brave men and women serving courageously in the Armed Services on Sunday April 26 th. Over 1,500 members of the military and their families came out to Morgan Run. Military Appreciation Day kicked off at 9:30am with an opening ceremony by acknowledging fourteen-year-old Katelyn Byrd as the Next Top Artist Contest Winner and the Perron family as the Armed Services YMCA Double Duty Family of the Year. Lance Corporal Lester R. Calhoun Jr. of the U.S. Marine Corps was also recognized at the ceremony for his recent acceptance of the Silver Star Award.

From Camp Pendleton to Coronado, the military’s strong presence has played a pivotal role in making San Diego, America’s Finest City. As a special “thank you”, all San Diego active and retired Military were invited to enjoy FREE admission and the first 1,000 Military enjoyed FREE LUNCH, courtesy of Carl’s Jr., a FREE Sport Clips Haircuts haircut coupon, Ultra Star Cinema “Treat Yourself Like a Kid” passes, and San Diego Padres’ promotional items.

On Friday, April 24 th the Celebrity Classic welcomed 30 wounded warriors from the armed services from bases as far away as Ft. Irwin. The wounded warriors enjoyed the VIP area and even got visits from some of the celebrities. Jerry Rice, Drew Brees, Tom Dreesen, Mark Rypien, Quentin Jammer, Phil Nevin, and Bruce Jenner all stopped by to take pictures, sign autographs, and spend some time speaking with the group. The wounded warriors were able to enjoy the golf and meet some of their favorite celebrities.

he Celebrity Classic teamed up with the San Diego Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) to help provide this event. The ASYMCA is a non-profit organization that assists military families by offering free family bonding and crisis programs.  They serve over 6,000 active-duty members and their families each month and are fully supported by community donations and volunteers.  For more information on the ASYMCA, please contact Brittany Catton at (858) 751-5755 ext. 103 or visit the Armed Services YMCA website at http://www.militaryymca.com/

Military Appreciation Day Awards and Activities :

• Double Duty Family of the Year:

  The Celebrity Classic and supporting sponsor honored the Armed Services YMCA Double Duty Family of the Year, the Perron family. This family was nominated and recognized for their dual service to the Military. The Perron family was presented with an award during the pre-game ceremonies on Sunday, April 26 th at approx. 9:30 a.m.

  Jason Perron, a former Marine is now a volunteer ombudsman for over 1,000 navy family members for Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Three. Jason is also a full-time parent to 8-month-old twin boys Jackie and Christian, and big sister 3-year-old Samantha, while mom Melissa is on her second deployment to the Middle East.

  Jason was nominated because of his pro-active use of free ASYMCA programs and events to keep the kids busy while mom is deployed and the strong bond and appreciation he has with his family and other military members he supports. In appreciation, Jason and his family were presented a Sears gift card, courtesy of Sears Essentials Mission Valley, and a Ralphs gift basket.

• America ’s Next Top Artist:

  The Celebrity Classic and supporting sponsor rewarded “ America’s Next Top Artist” Katelyn Byrd a bicycle courtesy of Sears Essentials Mission Valley. Military children were encouraged to submit artwork with the theme of “ America, family, golf or the military”. Katelyn was recognized during the pre-game activities on Sunday, April 26 th at approx. 9:30 a.m.

• Putting Contest:

  Military families (all ages) were given the opportunity to participate in the Military Family Putting Contests and win great prizes. Putting contests were held for men, women, boys and girls. The qualifying putts took place on the Morgan Run practice green adjacent to the military family area. Contestants who sank their putt were entered into a drawing for a chance to putt for great prizes on Sunday, April 26 th at 1:30 p.m.

Thank you to all who attended and we hope to see you next year!

Military Promotional Prizes provided by:

Food provided by: