Operation Hat Trick Goes to Walter Reed
On July 30, Operation Hat Trick went to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda. A group of 14 travelers from across the country made the trip to visit wounded warriors and to deliver OHT hats of which a portion of the proceeds go to organizations that support the recovery of service members and veterans. In addition, 13 Navy SEALs joined OHT.
According to Dot Sheehan, Founder of OHT, “Once again this trip has given all a very important view of what really matters in life. The good news is there are fewer severely injured warriors in patient rooms. On the other hand there are still so many amputees rehabbing or coming back for further surgery.”
Cedric (http://kindsnewlegs.com/), an 18 year service member, lost both legs and had a severely injured arm. Hurt a year ago, he is still working hard to recover. He has brought his wife and 2 daughters to Bethesda for the duration of his recovery, and as he said, “It was important that my family be with me. If not then this injury would have won and I simply couldn’t let this injury win. I wouldn’t take back one moment of my 18 years even this injury, however- it is just one small thing that happened.” With his amazing attitude and vast experience Cedric hopes to become and inspirational speaker upon his release from Walter Reed.
Another patient was Travis (http://travismills.org/), who is one of 5 living quadruple amputees. Injured April 10, 2012, he has worked tirelessly to regain function and walking ability. According to Travis, “When I knew I might die, I was so afraid I wouldn’t see my little girl again and knew if I lived I would work as hard as possible to make a good life for my family.”
“This trip is so important to any group that goes,” say Dot Sheehan. “We are representing Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, 2 Navy SEALs to whom OHT is dedicated and we know they would be proud to see that OHT is giving back to wounded warriors.”
Donna and Steve Hardy, Nate’s parents agree. “It is an emotional day but one filled with hope that these young men and women will continue on their journey of recovery. We take a few days to assimilate everything we’ve seen at Walter Reed. It’s so rewarding yet so emotional.”
Operation Hat Trick Mission Statement
Operation Hat Trick generates awareness, support, and funding for the recovery of America’s wounded warriors, both active service members and veterans. OHT pursues these goals through the sale of OHT branded merchandise, proceeds of which are distributed to selected organizations that provide direct services to our wounded warriors.
Travelers to Walter Reed included:
Dot Sheehan - President, OHT
Meaghan Thompson - UNH alum
Steve Hardy - Nate Hardy’s father and Professor at UNH
Donna Hardy - Nate Hardy’s mother
Mike Hickey - UNH alum and former Executive Director – UNH Alumni Association
Marilyn Hickey - UNH alum
Brian White - VP Partner Services – Collegiate Licensing Co. (CLC)
Aaron Coldwell - Partner Representative – Collegiate Licensing Co. (CLC)
Chris Kelleher - US Naval Academy alum and fought with Nate Hardy in Iraq
Taylor Chace - Northeast Passage, UNH alum, US Paralympic Sled Hockey team
Craig Brady - US Marines, amputee, US Paralympic Sled Hockey team
Mike Ferrara - Dean, School of Health and Human Services, UNH, former Head trainer US Paralympics
Joe Sullivan - Pilot, Jet Blue
Steve Rich - Assistant Vice President for Advancement, Eastern Illinois University
For more information on or to donate to OHT, go to www.operationhattrick.com
