Marine Master Sgt. Jarad Stout, the Corps' Marine of the Year, threw out the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday at Nationals Park on Tuesday before the Washington Nationals hosted the first-place Atlanta Braves.
Stout was a gunnery sergeant on Nov. 20, 2015, when he responded to the Radisson Blue hotel in Mali. That's where 170 hostages were being held by a gunman connected with al Qaeda, according to numerous published reports.
"There was very little time to respond," he said in a command release. "However, our purpose was clear. That clarity and unity of purpose allowed us to navigate the ambiguity and manage our emotions to accomplish the mission at hand."
More than 20 people were killed. Stout received the Silver Star for his actions.
His throw from the pitcher's mound was caught by Tanner Rainey, a relief pitcher for the Nats. Rainey then signed the ball for Stout.
Stout was joined by Lt. Gen. John Broadmeadow, director of Marine Corps Staff, on Marine Corps Day at Nationals Park. There was also a flyover, the Marine Barracks Washington Color Guard presented the colors and "The President's Own" United States Marine Corps Band performed the national anthem.
Stout was selected for the Congressional Fellowship Program in 2018. He works with and advises Rep. James Langevin, D-R.I., chairman of the House intelligence and emerging threats and capabilities subcommittee.
The Nationals honor the Coast Guard on Aug. 12 and the Air Force on Sept. 24.
93-year-old WWII veteran wounded at Iwo Jima delivers Washington Nationals game ball
PHOTOS: Washington Nationals visit Walter Reed
Want to get more connected to the great stories and resources Connecting Vets has to offer? Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
PHOTO GALLERY: Marine of the Year throws first pitch at Washington Nationals game 1
Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball ClubPHOTO GALLERY: Marine of the Year throws first pitch at Washington Nationals game 2
Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball ClubPHOTO GALLERY: Marine of the Year throws first pitch at Washington Nationals game 3
Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball ClubPHOTO GALLERY: Marine of the Year throws first pitch at Washington Nationals game 4
Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball ClubPHOTO GALLERY: Marine of the Year throws first pitch at Washington Nationals game 5
Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball ClubPHOTO GALLERY: Marine of the Year throws first pitch at Washington Nationals game 6
Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club
