Blog Post

Hundreds of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Attend Washington Nationals' Baseball Game
Posted by Isabel Black on August 24 2011

IAVA brought hundreds of Member Veterans and their families to the Washington Nationals game as part of IAVA’s national campaign with Miller High Life to give vets a “Piece of the High Life.” The second year of the campaign has sponsored massive events all summer long in cities ranging from Los Angeles to Raleigh to Baltimore. Over five hundred Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families will attend the Nationals game, with one delivering the line-up card and one throwing out the first pitch. IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff will call “Play Ball!” and Miller High Life Delivery Guy and Spokesman Windell Middlebrooks will be in attendance. Both will be available for interviews. 

“Through the ‘Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life’ campaign, Miller High Life is giving new vets a fun way to connect with each other in easy and meaningful ways. In the second year of this program, we hope to replicate these enormous successes and reach many more veterans than before.” said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.  “The presence of these hundreds of vets together at a Washington Nationals game will show Congress and the rest of the country the power and reach of this generation of veterans. The scope of this program also allows IAVA to expand outreach and provide employment resources to the thousands of veterans who may be struggling to make the transition from combat to career - as veteran unemployment hits 12.4%. IAVA is incredibly grateful to have the support of Miller High Life and the Washington Nationals. They’ve got our back!”


“With the outpouring of support new veterans received last year through our ‘Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life’ program, we knew it was important to continue bringing vets unique experiences – we believe in doing more than just writing a check,” said Miller High Life Brand Manager Brendan Noonan. “Americans will be enjoying a beer or two at their summer barbeques, picnics and tailgates, so why not toast to the troops and veterans and make it a High Life in support of our nation’s veterans?”


The "Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life" campaign encourages Americans to take action and support this generation of veterans by collecting Miller High Life and Miller High Life Light bottle caps and can tabs. Miller High Life is donating 10 cents for specially marked caps or tabs returned to participating retail accounts or via mail between June 1 and September 30, 2011. Proceeds will go directly toward providing veterans with a variety of memorable "High Life” experiences like NASCAR, MLB and NFL tickets. A national commercial created specifically for this campaign was filmed with veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and Windell Middlebrooks, the famous Miller High Life delivery guy. The commercial is airing nationally on ESPN, Comedy Central and many more stations.

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans can visit TheRucksack.org to find unique "High Life” experiences in their community and to request tickets. Veterans must be confirmed (paperwork-certified) IAVA members to gain access to Rucksack events and opportunities. Once confirmed, members are then connected with IAVA’s innovative GI Bill, mental health and employment support information, programs and products. The Rucksack also gives corporate partners, sponsors and individuals a platform to provide experiences to returning veterans nationwide. To date, The Rucksack has distributed over 13,000 experiences to veterans and their families nationwide.

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