“Military Appreciation Day” planned for Dec. 12
Video produced by UIU military student in Afghanistan will be shown
FAYETTE, Iowa (December 4, 2009)— Upper Iowa University will host a “Military Appreciation Day” during the men and women’s basketball games in Dorman Gymnasium on the Fayette campus, Saturday, Dec. 12. All veterans will be admitted to the games free of charge and are encouraged to wear his or her Legion, Auxiliary or branch of military service headwear.
The program will feature both Upper Iowa teams wearing military T-shirts during warm-ups, the presentation of colors by the Fayette American Legion, and a special recognition ceremony of all Veterans present. Between games, a special showing of a video is planned that was produced by Upper Iowa University student Bobby Carter and his Marine battalion buddies currently serving in Afghanistan. A phone call to Carter will also be attempted, but success will depend on his duties and scheduling at the time of the call.
Chief Warrant Officer Carter has served in the military for almost 25 years and has been in Afghanistan since September 2009. He is responsible for the maintenance and recovery of military vehicles within his specific region and in his spare time is earning a degree in Social Science online at UIU.
The idea for a video came about in conversation with Karla Gavin, UIU director of career development, as Carter plans to return stateside next April and attend graduation in May, if his military commitment permits. Gavin asked Carter if he would be interested in making a video to give UIU students a better perspective of what is happening there.
When Carter sent the completed video to Gavin, she worked with UIU Athletics to have it shown as part of their Military Appreciation Day program. “Since this program was in the works, we thought it would be a great opportunity to bring past and present together,” said Gavin. “Bobby is in charge of approximately 90 Marines and through this video was able to highlight a large majority of them and what his unit does to serve our country.”
Gavin added, “The video shows their daily routine and how they survive the elements in Afghanistan. Those who see the video will have a better understanding of what is currently happening across the globe, while enjoying how this group of Marines keeps a positive outlook.”
The women’s game starts at 2 p.m. and the men’s game begins at 4 against the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Sign in is required for all veterans for free admission; family members or guests are not complimentary.
For the fourth consecutive year, Gavin is also organizing a care package drive for Upper Iowa military students who are serving active duty overseas. She will send an invite soon to all UIU faculty, staff and students to again participate. “A joint effort by the Upper Iowa community generated 70 care packages last year alone that were sent to our students,” said Gavin. “These generous donations and acts of kindness are greatly appreciated by these men and women during the holidays.”
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Publications
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu