Class 2001 Payne
the Daily News; Longview
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Castle Rock Marine to throw out first pitch at M's game
United States Marine Corps Sgt. William J. "Bil" Payne of Castle Rock has been selected by the Seattle Mariners as one of five members of the Armed Forces to throw out ceremonial first pitches prior to tonight's game against Detroit at Safeco Field.
The Mariners and The Boeing Company are payng tribute to the men and women serving in the military, with the 7th annual Boeing Salute to Armed Forces Night. Twenty thousand fans in attendance will recieve a special commenorative coin, courtesy of Boeing.
Game time is 6:10 p.m.
Service persons from the five branches of the military will be honored in a pregame ceremony, and each will throw a ceremonial first pitch.
Payne, a member of the Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53 of Whidbey Island, has been nominated for Marine of the Year. He is the son of William "Matt" and Tammy Payne, and Stacey (Crayne) Payne, all of Castle Rock.
Payne's wife, Mindy is also making the trip to Safeco Field for the ceremony.
Others chosen to throw out pitches are: Petty Officer Kenneth Davis, USS Abraham Lincoln, Sailor of the Year and U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnanceman of the Year; Petty Ofiicer First Class Justin Kuxhausen, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Fir, home ported in Astoria, Thirteenth Coast Guard District Enlisted Person of the Year; Staff Sgt. Daniel Deen, U.S. Army; and Senior Airman Winnie Otieno, U.S. Air Fo
