Base, city prepare for Armed Forces Day

  • Published
  • By Stefan Bocchino
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base --  In conjunction with Armed Forces Day 2011, which is May 21, a series of military-themed events is scheduled to take place that day and evening on Kirtland Air Force Base and in Albuquerque.
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce will hold a banquet, the Albuquerque Isotopes minor- league baseball team will have "Military Appreciation Night" at their game and the annual Armed Forces Day Run will take place on Kirtland AFB.
The GACC Armed Forces Banquet will be at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, with the reception starting at 6 p.m. and the recognition dinner at 7 p.m. The price for active-duty military members will be $35, while GACC members pay $50 and nonmembers pay $75. For more information on the GACC Armed Forces Banquet, contact Marissa Corley by email at mcorley@abqchamber.com or by phone at 505-764-3731.
The Albuquerque Isotopes, the Triple-A minor-league affiliate for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is holding "Military Appreciation Night" on May 21. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. There will be a military presence at the game, including the Kirtland AFB Honor Guard presenting the colors, singing of the National Anthem by a Kirtland AFB spouse, and throwing out the first pitch by distinguished military members and veterans.
The Isotopes will be playing the Reno Aces, the Triple-A minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. A fireworks show will follow the game. Reserved-level seats are $7 each for active-duty, retirees, veterans, ROTC cadets and their families. The deadline to order tickets is May 17. For information on ordering tickets, go to www.albuquerquebaseball. com or call Alex Tainsh at 505-848-3590.
Additionally, Kirtland AFB will host the 2011 "Armed Forces Day Run" on May 21. The annual event, for all age groups, includes a half-marathon and 5K. There will also be a one-mile race just for kids.
The half-marathon starts at 7 a.m., the 5K at 7:30 a.m., and the kids race starts at 8 a.m. The awards ceremony will be at 8:30 a.m.
Entry fee for the half-marathon is $45 through May 18 and will be $50 on race day. For the 5K, the fee will be $30 through May 18 and $35 on race day.
To reserve a spot in the Kirtland AFB Armed Forces Day Run, register at www.active.com or call 846-1102.