Each match, D.C. United has important partners and fans perform the ceremonial first kick. On Armed Forces Night the first kick was taken by Jason Pak, a D.C. United fan and longtime soccer player who was injured while serving in Afghanistan. In April, Chris Pontius and James Riley visited Pak at Walter Reed Medical Center where the three formed an instant connection. D.C. United was very excited to have Pak at Armed Forces Night and thanks him and all of the former and current members of the armed forces.
