MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Twins, in partnership with the Minnesota National Guard, today announced plans for the club’s 22nd Armed Forces Appreciation Day, set for this Sunday, September 14 when the Twins host the Arizona Diamondbacks for a 1:10 p.m. game at Target Field.
Tickets are available at twins.com, by calling 612-33-TWINS or 800-33-TWINS, or in-person at the Target Field Ticket Office. Active military members or veterans with a valid ID, plus up to three guests, can receive half-price Diamond Box High or Upper Deck tickets, courtesy of Evolv Technology (available day of game only).
22nd Armed Forces Appreciation Day Theme – “Future Faces of the Forces”
The Twins’ annual celebration continues a proud tradition that began in 2003 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The 2025 event will again honor veterans and active service members from five branches of the United States Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard), with a focus this year on the “Future Faces of the Forces” – the new generation of young men and women bravely serving their communities and our country. Sunday’s pre- and in-game festivities, ceremonies and tributes will also proudly salute the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
Pregame ceremonies will recognize some of the newest members of our military alongside anniversary celebrations for the Army, Navy and Marines, plus a special salute to a soon-to-deploy unit, together creating a powerful juxtaposition of the spirit that unites generations of service members: courage, commitment and sacrifice.
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Private First Class Alexander Froelich, a graduate of Monticello High School, will be saluted during a special recognition of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Pfc. Froelich joined the Minnesota Army National Guard to utilize education benefits; he recently completed Advanced Individual Training as a Construction Equipment Repairer at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and was recognized as the course’s Distinguished Honor Graduate.
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Aviation Boatswain Mate Airman Lavella Topka, a recent graduate of the Senior Kathleen McGuire Memorial Catholic High School in Liberia, immigrated to the United States and enlisted into the U.S. Navy two months after receiving permanent residency. Aviation Boatswain Mate Topka entered through the Airman Apprenticeship Program and now serves about the USS Ronald Reagan, deploying to Malaysia, Thailand and many other allied nations, earning the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
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Lance Corporal Zaira Flores Zavala, a recent graduate of Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota, joined the U.S. Marine Corps to better herself and support her family. LCpl. Flores Zavala recently completed the Logistics Management School at Camp Johnson in North Carolina and is now enrolling at the University of Minnesota, where she plans to earn a degree in architecture. She hopes to commission in the Marine Corps and become a pilot.
Ceremonies will also honor new members of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force:
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Seamen Brady and Cale Zemke, brothers and graduates of Lake of the Woods High School in Baudette, Minnesota, are two brand new members of the U.S. Coast Guard. Both joined through the delayed entry program and on Tuesday will ship off for basic training. Upon completion of training Brady will be pursuing a career in Federal Law Enforcement as a Maritime Enforcement Specialist, while Cale will pursue an engineering career as a Machinery Technician.
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Senior Airman Yupane Her has served the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing for three-and-a-half years as a flight medic with the 109th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. SrA Her, who moved to Minnesota from Laos while in middle school, is currently pursuing degrees in human resources and marketing at the University of Minnesota.
Generational Service to Our Nation and Community: A Father-Son Ceremonial First Pitch
Following a tradition that began with the first Armed Forces Appreciation Day, when a member of the military threw out the ceremonial first pitch while stationed in Iraq, an active service member will again do the honors – this time featuring two generations as Airman First Class Jack Teachman pitches to his father, Senior Master Sergeant Willie Teachman.
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Willie enlisted into the Minnesota Air National Guard in September 1992 and has spent his entire career with the Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing, currently serving as their Inspection Element Supervisor.
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Jack followed in his father’s footsteps, enlisting with the 148th out of high school and currently serving as a weapons loader on F-16 fighter jets. Jack was a pitcher and third baseman at Duluth East High School and is continuing both his academic and athletic ventures at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.
Honoring a Deploying Unit – 34th Military Police Company
The Twins will thank and salute the Minnesota National Guard’s Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company, which is scheduled to deploy in early 2026 and is expected to spend 10 months in the Middle East in the United States Central Command area of operations. The unit’s most senior and junior service members will be recognized on the field, alongside their families: company commander Army Captain Brett Turbeville (joined by his wife and their two sons) and Private Second Class Max Benson (joined by his parents and three siblings).
Flag Raisers, Flyover and National Anthem
The culmination of Armed Forces Appreciation Day pregame ceremonies is the presenting of colors and the signing of our National Anthem.
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The Twins Territory flag will be raised by Seaman Recruit Jaad Stout, who is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, a veteran of the Korean War. Seaman Recruit Stout, who graduated from the Math and Science Academy in Woodbury in 2001 and the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2024, is shipping to U.S. Coast Guard basic training on Tuesday. He will then pursue a career in Federal Law Enforcement and expert boat handling as a Boatswain Mate.
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The American flag will be raised by Private First Class Edwin Albrecht, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. Pfc. Albrecht graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1943 and was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served with the 42nd Rainbow Division during World War II and was wounded in action in March 1945.
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A second, giant American flag will be unfurled in the outfield by current service members from five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, along with Twins staff members who have served our country.
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The National Anthem will be performed by Sergeant Nathaniel Olson from the 204th Army Band, dual stationed in Vancouver, Washington and at Fort Snelling.
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A flyover will feature two Blackhawk helicopters and a Chinook helicopter from the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Combat Aviation Brigade.
22nd Armed Forces Appreciation Day Emcee
The event will be emceed by Army Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Doug Wortham, a St. Paul native and Gulf War and Iraq War veteran. Sgt. Major Wortham enlisted in 1987 as a member of the military police corps and served more than 30 years in the Minnesota National Guard, culminating as the state’s Command Senior Enlisted Leader from 2014-19. He deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, along with training missions across seven other countries. Today, Sgt. Major Wortham continues to serve those who served as the Deputy Director of Veterans Benefits with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and hosing the weekly radio program, Minnesota Military Radio.
Taking Our Most Deserving Out to the Ballgame
Through the “Seats for Soldiers” program, many Champions Club and Thrivent Club season ticket holders, along with suite holders, have generously donated their tickets to wounded warriors and current service members and their families. Additionally, Gold Star Families, whose loved ones served and died while on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America or its allies, will be hosted in donated suites and seats.
Armed Forces Appreciation Day is also about recognizing civilian organizations and companies that play a key role in our nation’s defense by providing exceptional support before, during and after deployment for citizen service members active today in the Minnesota National Guard and Reserves. The Twins, a proud Yellow Ribbon Company, donated 1,000 tickets to Sunday’s game for active and retired members of the U.S. military.
22nd Armed Forces Appreciation Day – Full Rundown (Gates Open at 11:00 a.m.; First Pitch is 1:10 p.m.)
Starting at approximately 12:05 p.m., special pre- and in-game elements are scheduled to include (in order):
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Military vehicles on display at Target Plaza outside Gate 29.
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Ongoing performances by the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Boots n’ Brass Band from the third-floor balcony.
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The traditional “Race Around the Bases” will feature 8-year-old Hannah and 12-year-old Amelia, daughters of Trent Jensen. Trent joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in April 2009 and has since achieved qualifications in Water Surface Operations, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, Communications and Public Outreach.
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Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF) Grants, presented by MMAF Board Members Roger and Nancy McCabe, will be awarded to the following:
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Major Jon Polos of Cottage Grove, who serves with the 934th Airlift Wing of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and deployed to Saudi Arabia from April through October of 2024.
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Specialist Jordyn Wagner of Waite Park, who serves with Division Headquarters and the Headquarters Batallion of the 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard and deployed last year to Kuwait and Jordan.
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Sergeant Zachary Holland of Chaska, who serves with A Company, Headquarters Battalion of the 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2024.
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Specialist Ryan Bromeland of Delavan, who served with the 519th MP Company of the U.S. Army from 2004-07 and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq during his service.
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Staff Sergeant Dennis Benton of Minneapolis, who serves with the Marine Recruiting Station Twin Cities and in 2021 deployed to Afghanistan during the withdrawal of U.S troops and civilians.
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Sergeant Michelle Lazo of Little Canada, who serves with the Headquarters Battalion of the 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard and deployed to Jordan last year.
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Captain Matt Bonniwell of Maple Grove, who serves with the Headquarters Battalion of the 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2024.
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Chief Petty Officer John Hawkinson of Lakeville, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1995-2010 and, while serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln, was deployed overseas seven times in 15 years.
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As part of the Twins’ longstanding support of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) and its mission to end veteran homelessness in our state, the City of Eagan will be recognized as a “Home Plate Hero” for its collaboration with MACV and offering permanent housing and support to those who’ve served in the Eagan Veteran’s Village, set to open in November. The partnership between WCCO-TV, the Twins and MACV will also be celebrated via recognition of the recent Midwest Regional Emmy Award for the 2024 “Home for the Holidays” event at Target Field.
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More than 20 Families of the Fallen will be hosted in donated suites and special seats; families will display photos of their fallen service members on their respective suite balconies during the pregame ceremonies.
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As per Armed Forces Appreciation Day tradition, the Twins will remember and pay tribute to Twins Territory service members whom we have lost during the past year. We remember Army Private First Class Edwin Thomas, Army Sergeant Michael Lose, Army Staff Sergeant Troy Knutson-Collins and Minnesota Army National Guard Sergeant First Class Daniel Hine.
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In recognition of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), which assists in fostering a culture in which employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserves, the Twins will celebrate two companies that received a national-level ESGR award (the Freedom Award) – Honeywell Aerospace Technologies and the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
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Videos displayed on the main Target Field videoboard will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps, while some of our newest service members will be honored on the field: Private First Class Alexander Froelich (Army), Aviation Boatswain Mate Airman Lavella Topka (Navy), Lance Corporal Zaira Flores Zavala (Marines), Seamen Brady and Cale Zemke (U.S. Coast Guard), and Senior Airman Yupane Her (U.S. Air Force).
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The Twins will thank and salute the Minnesota National Guard’s Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company, which is scheduled to deploy in early 2026 for 10 months in the Middle East. Army Captain Brett Turbeville and Private Second Class Max Benson will join their families on the field.
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The ceremonial first pitch participants embody generational service to our nation and community, with Airman First Class Jack Teachman pitching to his father, Senior Master Sergeant Willie Teachman.
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A special Perkins Starting Lineup will be introduced on the field, comprised of service members from the Minnesota National Guard Army and Air, as well as the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard reserves: Army Sergeant Zachary Foss, Army Sergeant Erin Reis, Air Force Staff Sergeant Johanna Tetzlaff, Air Force Master Sergeant Kaylee Gist, Navy Petty Officer First Class Jessica Sturgeon, Navy Petty Officer First Class Samuel Bezdicheck, Marine Corps Sergeant Alexander Perez, Marine Corps Sergeant Christian Voshage and Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Jessia LaRue.
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The Twins (1st base line) and Diamondbacks (3rd base line) will line up on the baselines during the national anthem accompanied by current service members from the Army (1st base line), Air Force (1st base line), Marines (3rd base line), Navy (3rd base line) and Coast Guard (3rd base line).
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The Twins Territory flag will be raised by Seaman Recruit Jaad Stout, who is shipping to Basic Training on Tuesday.
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The American flag will be raised by Private First Class Edwin Albrecht, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge.
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A second, giant American flag will be unfurled in the outfield by current service members from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, along with Twins staff members who have served our country.
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The National Anthem will be performed by Sergeant Nathaniel Olson from the 204th Army Band, dual stationed in Vancouver, Washington and at Fort Snelling.
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A flyover will feature two Blackhawk helicopters and a Chinook helicopter from the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Combat Aviation Brigade.
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The Play Ball Kid for Armed Forces Appreciation Day, Johnny, represents all Minnesota military kids and families; Johnny’s father, Perry, retired after 27 years of service in the Army National Guard, with two deployments to the Middle East, while Johnny’s older sister, Sophia, is currently in the ROTC program at Minnesota State University, Mankato and will commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation.
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“God Bless America” will be performed during the seventh-inning stretch by Sergeant Nathaniel Olson.
Twins.TV and the Treasure Island Baseball Network will celebrate the men and women of the Minnesota National Guard during both pregame coverage and during the game via stories and interviews from currently deployed service members; additionally, the National Anthem and “God Bless America” will be both be televised live.
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