PITTSBURGH - Three-years ago, the weather, terrain and local hospitality couldn't have presented a more startling contrast. It was exceptionally hot and not every person they met in the sands of Iraq's Sunni Triangle was particularly friendly to these Airmen from the 193rd Special Operations Wing, Middletown, Pa.
But on a frigid afternoon surrounded by beautifully manicured grass, more than 38,000 rabid Pittsburgh Pirates fans gave Senior Master Sgt. Don Koch and Tech. Sgt. Jeff Myers the warmest reception of their lives.
As the first recipients of the Purple Heart in Pennsylvania Air National Guard history, the duo was honored by throwing out the ceremonial Opening Day first pitch and catch, April 9.
Their participation marked the beginning of a statewide effort called "Operation Shining Diamond" to celebrate the Air National Guard's 60th anniversary at professional baseball parks throughout the commonwealth. The 111th Fight Wing, Willow Grove, Pa., also provided a three-ship A-10 flyover during the national anthem.
Throughout a rousing and lengthy standing ovation, fans gave thanks to these Airmen who were injured in an improvised explosive device attack, which rendered both with extensive shrapnel wounds outside Mosul, Iraq.
"It gave me a big chill to be in front of that crowd," said Sergeant Myers, who later received a second Purple Heart and a Bronze Star after returning to duty in Iraq. "I know they appreciate what Airmen do and the sacrifices we make to ensure freedom and our way of life."
With more than 50 years of combined service to their commonwealth and country, the team supplied convoy security as gunners with the 1058th Air Expeditionary Force Transportation Company in 2004. Their seven-man team ran convoys for the U.S. Army's First Infantry Division throughout some the most austere and hostile regions.
But the pair weren't the only people being recognized for more than a half-century of dedication. Pittsburgh native John Wray, a Pirates fan who has logged in 50-straight opening day events, couldn't help but give a personal salute for their efforts. For the first catch, he loaned Sergeant Koch the very glove he wore to his first opening day game when he was just six-years old.
"These guys are really unbelievable heroes," said Wray who works as a fundraiser for a national church organization. "It couldn't be a greater honor to me than to have these servicemen use this glove and go make history."
With a steely-eyed gaze and perfect bearing, Sergeant Myers wound up and delivered an inside strike into the history books and a well-weathered glove.
"History matters, because it means that what we did as a team has touched someone's life and hopefully made it a little better," said Myers, "We never planned on making history, we just wanted to make a difference."
Judging by the inundation of applause, high-fives and thanks given the Airmen here, they have done just that.