Don't be surprised if a large chunk of Cheney Stadium is filled with fans wearing red, white and blue in addition to their normal Tacoma Rainiers garb come Sunday afternoon at the Rainiers' 1:35 p.m. game against the Salt Lake Bees.

Sunday is Disabled American Veterans Day with the Tacoma Rainiers. The day is about celebrating the efforts of DAV members across the state and honoring recent veterans.

The 56th Army Band from Joint Base Lewis-McChord will perform before the game in the stadium concourse, a Marine Corps Color Guard will present the colors prior to the first pitch and various video clips honoring veterans will play throughout the game on the JumboTron in centerfield.  The Lakewood DAV Harmony Chapter 18 purchased and handed out more than 200 total tickets to the game to the American Lake and Seattle VA, the Soldiers Home in Orting, the Veterans Home in Retsil and Fischer House at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, said chapter president Mark Melton.

Several members from the DAV Chapter 18 will be on hand passing out information to new veterans and their families. They will also play the role of greeters at the admission gates, handing out packs of baseball cards to fans.

"We want to let them know what kind of resources and support we have available to them," Melton said. "Our members are really excited about helping out and telling people what the chapter has to offer."

In addition, DAV Harmony Chapter 18 member Richard Carithers, a 79-year-old Korean War veteran, will throw out the first pitch.

The veteran said he is honored to have the chance to be a part of the ballpark celebration. Carithers has been a member of the Lakewood DAV chapter for 12 years and has been an officer in the chapter since day one.

"Events like these are neat because we get the chance to expose our chapter and show people what we do," he said. "I try to attend as many events like this that I can."

For those interested in attending the game, tickets are still available. For $10, people can receive a reserved seat game ticket and a ballpark meal. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call Melton at (253) 376-2236.