More than 300 Veterans, Military Family members, supporters, and community champions gathered at Fenway South at JetBlue Park in March for a memorable celebration highlighting the mission and impact of Home Base Florida during the Boston Red Sox Spring Training game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The special day showcased our mission through heartfelt tributes, on-field recognition, and community engagement activities throughout the game.

The afternoon began with a powerful pregame ceremony in which Home Base Veteran participants and their Families were honored on the field in front of thousands of fans. Thanks to a donation of more than 200 tickets from the Red Sox Foundation, Veterans and their loved ones experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk onto the field and be recognized for their service and sacrifice.

U.S. Air Force Veteran Tyler King was joined by her children as they helped kick off the game festivities by throwing the ceremonial first pitch and announcing, “Play ball!”

Following the pregame ceremony, Home Base Florida hosted the Home Base Community Champions Reception presented by Headpinz. The reception welcomed approximately 100 supporters, board members, strategic partners, and community advocates who gathered to celebrate the organization’s continued growth and impact across Southwest Florida.

Throughout the game, the Home Base mission remained front and center. Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster visited the Home Base seating sections to engage with Veterans, while fans had opportunities to learn more about the organization through the Home Base Florida resource table and community tent located near the Fenway South entrance.

The celebration concluded during the seventh inning stretch when announcers recognized the Home Base Veteran and Family section as hometown heroes, shining a spotlight on the men and women whose service and resilience continue to inspire the community.

The day served as both a celebration and a reminder of the importance of supporting Veterans and Military Families long after their service ends, reinforcing Home Base Florida’s commitment to healing invisible wounds and building strong community connections across the region.