Reservist takes part in opening ceremony of Game 3 of World Series

  • Published
  • By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  It was an opportunity of a life time for one 512th Airlift Wing reservist and Philadelphia Phillies Fan to participate in a flag opening ceremony Oct. 31 at Game 3 of the Yankees-Phillies World Series in Philadelphia. 

Master Sgt. Eric Sellers, 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron NCO in charge of laboratory services, was one of the 150 service members from the Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines and Coast Guard who held the flag during the national anthem at Citizens Bank Park before more than 43,000 spectators and 15.3 million television viewers. 

"We opened up the U.S. flag, which was about the size of half a football field, and stretched it across the baseball field," said Sergeant Sellers who enlisted into the Air Force in 1991 and then transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1998 serving in the 913th Medical Squadron at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Penn. 

He said he found out about the World Series flag folding ceremony from a friend he served with at Willow Grove who is head recruiter with the National Guard. He jumped at the opportunity to participate, he said. 

The master sergeant said he grew up playing baseball and the Phillies has been his favorite team since he was a child. 

"My father, retired Chief Master Sgt. Carl Sellers, was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base from 1976-1990, and we always would go to Phillies games," said the reservist who served at Willow Grove until it closed in October 2007 and then transferred to the 512th AW. 

Although the life-long Phillies fan said he was disappointed his team didn't win as the Yankees beat the Phillies 8-5, it was still an amazing experience. 

"It was a dream come true to be out on the field at a World Series game and represent my country," said Sergeant Sellers.