This episode steps away from the scoreboard and into something much bigger. At Hammons Field, a military appreciation night built around Folds of Honor takes center stage, honoring veterans, first responders, and the families who carry their legacy forward. From a powerful first pitch for Christian County shooting survivors to a bagpipe performance and “Amazing Grace” following the anthem, every moment is designed to pause the noise and recognize sacrifice.
👉 Listen to the full episode and hear the story behind the night.

Special guest Kirk Elmquist walks through what makes this event so meaningful, including how the pregame gathering shifted indoors to Billiards of Springfield, but never lost its purpose. Rain or shine, the focus stays locked on community, gratitude, and honoring service in a way that feels personal, not performative. It highlights how local support turns a game night into something far more impactful.

At the heart of it all is the mission of Folds of Honor itself, providing life-changing scholarships to children of fallen and wounded service members and first responders. From its origin story tied to founder Dan Rooney’s experience after military service, to national partnerships with the PGA Tour and NFL, the organization continues to expand its reach while staying rooted in purpose. It’s built on one simple idea: no sacrifice should be forgotten, and no family should be left behind.

What makes this night stand out is that the ceremonies don’t depend on the game, they define the night. Local partners, community leaders, and supporters like Regent Bank, Wells Fargo Advisors, and Bass Pro Shops help keep that mission alive year after year. And as plans grow for future outreach events like the Branson motorcycle rally and Veterans Day programming, the message stays consistent: service matters, and so does remembering it.