HAMPTON, N.H. — Operation Hat Trick, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting wounded U.S. combat veterans, has recognized Western Kentucky University's outstanding efforts in aiding the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans by naming the school a finalist for its 2020 Excellence in Service Award.
Â
In recognition of the school's impact, OHT will make a donation to the Fisher House of Fort Campbell on the university's behalf. Operation Hat Trick Founder and President Dot Sheehan presented the Excellence in Service Awards via video conference last week.
Â
"Western Kentucky has shown the kind of devotion and commitment to our veterans we're hoping to inspire all over the country," Sheehan said. "Raising funds is a critical part of meeting their needs, but just as important is raising awareness of their struggles so we never forget our obligation to help them overcome their injuries and enjoy full lives."
Â
WKU was one of nine finalists that included Arizona, Clemson, South Florida, Utah State, Texas A&M, North Dakota State, Virginia Tech and Nebraska. The finalists were chosen based on their efforts to fully integrate OHT on their campuses through a presence in their bookstores and other retail outlets, promoting veterans' causes through their social media properties and advertising campaigns, and generating additional revenue that will be used to support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans.
Â
In conjunction with the football program's home game against Army last October, WKU Athletics released a series of apparel products bringing together the Hilltoppers and OHT, as well as a social media campaign to promote both the products and the organization's cause.
Â
WKU's efforts generated thousands of dollars in donations to help veterans recover from the visible and invisible injuries suffered in combat.
Â
"It's a great honor for our institution to support an organization like Operation Hat Trick," said Olivia Higgins, WKU's Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing. "We have always wanted to get more involved with OHT, and this year we were able to pull that off. We are located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, surrounded by army bases at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox with a very big veteran population. It was the perfect time to bring Operation Hat Trick gear on to our campus, and we can't wait to continue our partnership to help further their mission of helping American service members recover from their past traumas of battle."
Â
A portion of each sale of OHT branded merchandise is donated to select organizations that support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans. Through the sale of branded merchandise and member donations, Operation Hat Trick donations have helped dozens of organizations that provide direct services and support to wounded service members and veterans. They include Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Veterans Count, the Navy SEAL Foundation, the Travis Mills Foundation, Liberty House, Project Sanctuary, Semper Fi Fund, Warriors Ice Hockey Programs, Hero Flights and the Yellow Ribbon Fund.
Â
About Operation Hat Trick
Â
OHT generates awareness, support and funding for the recovery of America's wounded service members and veterans. The organization pursues these goals through the sale of OHT branded merchandise, proceeds of which are distributed to selected organizations supporting the OHT mission. Operation Hat Trick is supported by more than 500 universities and colleges, 130 high schools, 21 National Hockey League teams, 15 NBA teams, more than 80 Minor League Baseball teams and over 90 companies. For more information, to give online or to purchase OHT apparel and merchandise, visit www.operationhattrick.org.
Western Kentucky University Athletics
- Champions Climb Here
- WKU Athletics
- Athletic Director
- Academic Services
- Annual Report
- Athletic Communications
- Athletic Hall of Fame
- Athletic Training
- Big Red
- CLIMB Program - NIL
- Compliance
- Facilities
- Financial Reports
- For Students
- Student Employment
- Forms/Requests
- Book Big Red
- Donation Requests
- Site Feedback
- For Fans
- Hilltopper Highlights
- Gameday Promotions
- Alumni Tailgates
- Big Red's Rascals
- Basketball Gameday
- Football Gameday
- Mobile Tickets
- Travel Center
- Tickets
- Give
