The New York Mets today announced they will celebrate United States Air Force Week in New York City Monday, August 20 at Citi Field before the 7:10 p.m. Mets-Rockies game. More than 1,100 U.S. Air Force service members and their families will be in attendance for a special ceremony and pre-game performances. Tickets are on sale now at Mets.com/USAF and (718) 507-TIXX

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will execute a pre-game flyover of Citi Field with six F-16 Fighting Falcons. The USAF Band will perform the National Anthem and there will be a pre-game, on-field re-enlistment ceremony. Mets fans will also have the chance to meet the Air Force Academy’s falcon mascot at the Mets Plaza in front of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda.

The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Lieutenant General James M. Kowalski, Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command of Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Chief James Roy, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, will also attend the game.

In-game events include active Air Force personnel greeting fans and families directly from Afghanistan and and Master Sergeant Matthew Irish from the USAF Band’s Singing Sergeants performing “God Bless America.”

The Mets’ support of Air Force Week in New York City builds on the franchise’s ongoing commitment to support our troops through “Welcome Back Veterans,” a national public awareness and fundraising initiative that addresses the mental health and employment needs of America’s returning war veterans and their families. The Mets also salute a “Veteran of the Game” at each Mets game at Citi Field.