MANISTIQUE -- The U.P. had a special connection to Tuesday night's Major League Baseball All Star game in Kansas City.

Thirty-eight-year old Air Force Master Sergeant, Kevin Blose, from Manistique, participated in the pre-game festivities.
    
As a member of the color guard, Blose helped carry a large American flag onto the field.  He was located on the first base side of the ball park.
    
Before the game, Kevin's father, Cliff, talked about his son's role.  He said he couldn't be more proud, and the family was going to be watching closely.

"We're all going to gather around the TV and watch it as much as we can; we're going to video tape it, too," said the elder Blose.
    
Kevin plans to retire from the Air Force on September 1, having served for 20 years.