Western Michigan University 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 Western Michigan University’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 the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund 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.

Western Michigan was one of seven finalists that included Texas A&M University, University of Arizona, George Mason University, North Dakota State University, Utah State 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 Western Michigan 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, WMU 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 Western Michigan."

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 Western Michigan University:

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research university in Kalamazoo, Michigan, established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity.” WMU is consistently ranked as a university that is “military friendly” and “Best for Vets". The University continues to broaden services for veterans, such as the VetSuccess on-campus program which is the first VA student success program of its kind in Michigan. As an additional benefit, WMU recognizes all veterans and their families as Michigan residents. For more information, visit wmich.edu.

About Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund:

The mission of the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund™ (FWSF) is to support Michigan-based soldiers who serve and protect our country, and is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c) (3) organization. The FWSF is an all-volunteer effort, supporting our armed forces. We are honored to help injured soldiers pay their living expenses and provide assistance to the families of the fallen. For more information, visit fwsf.org.