One of the most rewarding things about being affiliated with a Major League Baseball team is the opportunity to be a part of the lives of our fans. Whether it’s helping a parent make a memory with their son or daughter at his or her first game, the Phanatic visiting an auditorium packed with elementary students as part of the Be A Phanatic About Reading Program or a grandparent listening to the Phillies game with their grandchild while playing cards, it’s all gravy for us. But when we can give back to a member of the military – well, that’s really the best thing ever.

This morning, the Phillies, along with the Liberty USO, made a surprise delivery to a local military hero. Sergeant Joe “Joey” Andreacchio, a two-time veteran from Iraq and Afghanistan, just returned from his latest nine-month tour of Afghanistan. He has earned several accolades including most recently the Army Commendation Medal.

Andreacchio was born and raised in Upper Darby, PA and is a sergeant with the 333^rd Engineering Company in Reading, PA – US Army Reserve. Besides his incredible job as a soldier, protecting our freedom, he is also a life-long Phillies fan and Sunday season ticket holder. So, the Phillies approached Joey’s family and girlfriend, Corrie Gorman, to organize a very special welcome home including special visitors and a very special message from a certain southpaw currently residing down south.

Phun Phact: Andreacchio lives with his girlfriend, Corrie Gorman, in Ewing, NJ, whom he met on June 6, 2010, before a Sunday Phillies game. (Phillies Dating Service: Matchmaking like pros. Find your match this summer!)

And now we present the top moments from this morning’s event!

Liberty USO President did the honors of knocking on the door to greet an understandably skeptical Sergeant Andreacchio. He was in for quite a few surprises.

Woah! Tons of media are on the front lawn of his girlfriend’s parents’ house.  Hope he’s not camera shy!

Oh hey there, Tommy Greene. The former Phillie joined the welcoming party, which also included Phoebe Phanatic and Phillies Ballgirls!

Not only did he receive his Sunday season tickets from this Phillies delivery door-to-door service but also…

Some nice Phillies loot! Not a bad haul, huh?

But the best part may have been when a Phillie who actively supports the military through his foundation called in.

Yes, the one and only Cole Hamels Face-timed with Sergeant Andreacchio from Bright House Field.

Here’s video of the interaction, with a special appearance by a certain first baseman.

All in all, it was a pretty cool morning for us. If you want to check out more photos from the special ticket delivery, you can do it here!

#TweetOfTheWeek
If you’re a Phillies fan then you probably know that Doc Halladay joined the Twitter universe this week. If you didn’t know, you may be living under a rock – so give him a follow.

Also, check out some tweets from the past week showing a different side of Roy:

Lookin’ good Doc!

Well, that’s all from us. Remember to follow the @Phillies on Twitter and don’t forget to follow your Fightin’ Phils while you’re at it. Until next time!