On this Veterans Day, the Rockford Rivets would like to thank all men and women who have served or are serving in our armed forces, and turn the clock back to one of our favorite events of our first season in the Stateline.

On August 7, Capt. Greg Spencer of the U.S. Air Force made a surprise homecoming at Rivets Stadium. Months in planning, Capt. Spencer's return from overseas took his family completely by surprise. His wife, Mary Ellen Spencer, was invited out to throw out a ceremonial first pitch and sing "The Star Spangled Banner," complete with a presentation of colors by VFW Post 9759 of Loves Park. At the end of the anthem, Capt. Spencer emerged from his baseball camoflauge (a spare uniform and a catcher's mask) and greeted Mary Ellen and their daughters.