300+ Military Families Have Special Night Thanks to The Ringling Bros.
Camden Doerer stands with his mother, Tammy, and younger sister, Casey, outside the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus before the April 9, 2009, show begins. The performance was in celebration of the Month of the Military Child, and more than 300 military families received free tickets. DoD photo by Sharon Foster
In observation of the Month of the Military Child Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus has brought a lot of fun and joy to some military children. Following the article below is some information on how you can obtain special tickets to a Ringling Bros. Circus in your area.
Circus Salutes Military Children, Families
By Sharon Foster/American Forces Press Service
EXCERPT
WASHINGTON, April 10, 2009 - The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus invited more than 300 military families to their show at the Patriot Center here last night for “thrills and chills” under the big top in recognition of the Month of the Military Child.
“This is so important, because the kids serve alongside their parents,” circus spokesman Bob Swaney said. “The kids go through deployments and meeting new friends when their military parents are constantly moving. They deal with a lot, and they take it all in stride. Tonight is especially for them.”
Ringling Bros. hosted the children of veterans and currently serving troops from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the Believe in Tomorrow’s Children Foundation, Our Military Kids, the National Military Family Association and the Coast Guard Morale, Well-being and Recreation Program.
The lead Ringling elephant, endowed with her military dog tags, joined the children for photos in the center ring as the Military District of Washington Armed Forces Color Guard kicked off the night’s festivities.
The National Military Family Association selected 12-year-old Camden Doerer from northern Virginia to be guest ringmaster for the performance. The sixth grader is the son of Army Col. Robert Doerer, a helicopter pilot currently assigned in Germany who has been deployed to Iraq several times. The family plans to join him in Germany in June.
“This is a great experience,” Camden said. “I’m here representing the Army, my dad and other kids like me. I can’t wait to see him later this summer.”
Here’s further information on how you may be able to get special tickets if the Circus is coming to your town:
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is a proud supporter of the Department of Defense’s “America Supports You” Program, an ongoing initiative that communicates America’s support to men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As a long-time supporter of America’s military community, Ringling Bros.® appreciates the sacrifices made by our U.S. Armed Forces and their families. As our way of saying thanks, we are pleased to provide special events and promotions for military families in each city our tours visit.
Purchase America Supports You Special Offer tickets through Military ITT/ITR offices (in select markets), at the arena box office with valid Military ID (Active, Reserve, National Guard, Retired) or online using Code “ASY” (excludes Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP seating).
To see promotions in your area and to buy tickets for The Greatest Show On Earth®, go to THIS SITE to find out details.
CJ
April 10th, 2009 at 2:41 pmThat is cool! I bet they had a GREAT time! I’m glad they did that.