The University of Arizona Named A Finalist For Operation Hat Trick (OHT) 2021 Excellence In Service Award For Improving Lives Of U.S. Veterans

HAMPTON, NH, May 25, 2021 - Operation Hat Trick (OHT), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting wounded U.S. combat veterans, has recognized the University of Arizona’s outstanding efforts in aiding the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans by naming the University a finalist for its 2021 Excellence in Service Award. In recognition of the University’s impact, OHT will make a donation to Fisher House of Tucson on the University’s behalf. Operation Hat Trick Founder and President Dot Sheehan presented the Excellence in Service Awards via video conference on May 25.

Arizona was one of seven finalists that included Texas A&M University, George Mason University, North Dakota State University, Utah State University, Western Michigan University, and Clemson University. The finalists were chosen based on their efforts to fully integrate OHT on and off 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.

"I am very proud of what the University of Arizona has done to support Operation Hat Trick and veterans who have been wounded, and are now recovering from invisible and visible injuries,” said Dot Sheehan, Founder and CEO of Operation Hat Trick. “Despite a year of challenges, Arizona has shown not only a commitment to support OHT but also a commitment to support their local community, which is so critical. We at OHT are honored and proud to partner with the University of Arizona."

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, Operation Hat Trick has helped 80+ organizations that provide direct support to veterans in need. They include the Travis Mills Foundation, Semper Fi Fund, Warriors Ice Hockey Programs, Hero Flights, the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Fisher Houses, Veterans Healing Farm, and Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors.

About Operation Hat Trick:

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, 21 National Hockey League teams, 15 NBA teams, 165 high schools, more than 70 Minor League Baseball teams, and over 80 companies. For more information, to give online or to purchase OHT apparel and merchandise, visit www.operationhattrick.org.

About the University of Arizona:

The University of Arizona is a public land-grant research university in Tucson, Arizona. Founded in 1885 by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature, the U of A was the first university in the Arizona Territory. The University of Arizona is one of the nation's best universities for service members, veterans and their families, according to the Military Times. The University of Arizona finished No. 18 overall and No. 15 among public universities in the latest edition of the Military Times' "Best for Vets: Colleges 2020" ranking. For more information, visit arizona.edu.

About Fisher House of Tucson:

The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) Fisher House located on the campus of the Tucson VA Medical Center provides a "home away from home" for loved ones of Veterans or Active Duty personnel receiving inpatient care from the Tucson VA. For more information, visit tucson.va.gov/FisherHouse/Arizona_Fisher_House.asp.