05.20.2004 7:36 PM ET

Perry and Powell help greet troops. Two show support for armed forces at luncheon

"As Buck Showalter says, 'These are guys,' " commented Herbert Perry.

In Rangers parlance, the bestowal of the seemingly innocuous title of "guy" implies great respect for the recipient. On Thursday, Perry, teammate Jay Powell, and a few hundred well-wishers showed members of the armed services they considered them "guys" of the highest order, even if some of the troops were, in fact, women.

Pappas Brothers Steakhouse in Dallas held the event for the purpose of thanking some 300 servicemen and women with a four-course luncheon and reception. Other local celebrities in attendance included the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Dallas Stars broadcaster Ralph Strangis and the Stars Ice Girls, former Cowboy Drew Pearson, actress Janine Turner, and others. The Rangers were the only team represented by active players.

"They just came back from one of the most dangerous places in the world," said Perry of the diners, many of whom have just completed tours overseas. "The least we can do is come out here and have a little bit of fun with them."

Perry and Powell handed out pairs of tickets to tonight's game with the Royals. He found enthusiasm and some Rangers fans.

"Pretty much most of them knew how we were doing. They knew about last night's game and the night before last," he said. "We never really talked about anything but baseball and them coming to the game tonight and supporting us."

Marine Sergeant Anthony Johansen had secured a pair of game tickets from one of the players and seemed to find the Rangers and soldiers a pretty natural match.

"I don't know a Marine who's not a sports fan," said Johansen. "I've lived in Texas 14 years now, and back when Nolan Ryan used to pitch here, I kept every article on the guy. So I've always kept up with the Rangers."

The uniformed personnel arrived in buses and military vehicles from the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth. The base acts as a deployment station for those returning from overseas and those soon to go on assignments.

The Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines all had substantial representation, with at least one thing in common no matter their branch, rank, or gender. They were all, in the estimation of the admiring Rangers players, "guys."

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.