UNC Charlotte named the 2026 Operation Hat Trick Excellence in Service award winner; Over $1M donated through special college awards program over last decade
HAMPTON, NH, and KANSAS CITY, MO, May 13, 2026 - Operation Hat Trick (OHT), an innovative non-profit supporting the recovery of wounded service members and veterans, has recognized UNC Charlotte’s outstanding efforts in aiding the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans by naming the University winner of its 2026 Excellence in Service Award. In recognition of their impact, OHT will make a donation to Veterans Bridge Home on the University’s behalf. Trey Derrenbacker, OHT’s Director of Licensing, presented the Excellence in Service Awards at the Collegiate Licensing Company Licensing Seminar in Kansas City, MO on May 13.
This year OHT has donated $92,500 to organizations on behalf of the finalists and winners, bringing the overall total to over $1 million in donations since the Awards inception in 2016.
Charlotte was one of seven finalists that included Texas A&M, Michigan State University, Utah State University, Virginia Tech, University of Nebraska, and Kennesaw State 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 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.
“To think OHT has donated more than $1 million to organizations on behalf of Universities since the Excellence in Service Awards began is truly amazing. I am extremely proud of what UNC Charlotte has done to support Operation Hat Trick and wounded service members and veterans who are dealing with their service-related visible and invisible injuries,” said Dot Sheehan, Founder and CEO of Operation Hat Trick. “Over the past year, the Universities have 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 be partners. Together we are making a difference.”
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 138 organizations in 43 states that provide direct support to veterans in need. They include the Travis Mills Foundation, nine Warriors Ice Hockey teams, Adaptive Training Foundation, Warriors and Quiet Waters, Canine Companions, CreatiVets and others.
About Operation Hat Trick
Founded by Dot Sheehan in 2007, Operation Hat Trick (OHT) generates awareness, support and funding for the recovery of America’s wounded service members and veterans. The 501c3 has been recognized by GuideStar eight years in-a-row as a Platinum seal of transparency organization for its responsible stewardship. (https:/learn.guidestar.org/platinum).
Dedicated to Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two Navy SEALs who were killed in Iraq in 2008 and are buried side by side at Arlington National Cemetery, OHT never forgets their sacrifice.
Operation Hat Trick’s innovative operational business model is clearly differentiated from other veteran-focused nonprofits. OHT pioneered the first national philanthropic, co-branded, cause marketing retail apparel licensing program in America. Instead of relying on donations, OHT raises money by selling distinctive headwear and apparel, receiving a royalty from every product purchase. More than 500 American universities and colleges proudly display their logos with OHT’s on co-branded merchandise. Many businesses, NHL, NBA and MiLB teams are also active supporters.
Operation Hat Trick products are available via leading online retailers such as Fanatics, Colosseum and Amazon as well as national retailers including Cracker Barrel, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kohl’s, Lids, Scheels, and Rally House.
Support and learn more about Operation Hat Trick by visiting operationhattrick.org.
About the University of North Carolina Charlotte
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research university in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. UNC Charlotte offers 24 doctoral, 66 master's, and 79 bachelor's degree programs through nine colleges. It is classified among "R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production." Charlotte is highly military-friendly, retaining a Gold-level status on the Military Friendly Schools list (2025) for its exceptional support of military-affiliated students. It offers dedicated resources, a welcoming community, specialized career support, and ranks as a Tier 1 institution for fostering a sense of community among veterans.
About Veterans Bridge Home
The mission of Veterans Bridge Home is to connect, lead, and advocate in communities to ensure service members, veterans and their families thrive. Veterans Bridge Home is a committed advocate for service members, veterans, and their families, striving to create stronger communities one veteran at a time. With a mission to connect, lead, and advocate, we focus on providing tailored support services, fostering community integration, and building cross-sector partnerships to ensure that every veteran is supported, connected, and respected. Through a proven process of engagement, care, connection, advocacy, and celebration, Veterans Bridge Home upholds its promise that every veteran matters and is an integral part of our community.
