By: Jill Wunrow (@JillWunrow)
GreenBayPhoenix.com
GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com)
- On the evening
before its first practice of the 2012-13 season, the Green Bay women's
basketball team took time out of its schedule to lend a helping hand to local
veterans.
"I think it's
really cool that we have the opportunity to give back to the community,
especially veterans who gave so much for us and the freedom we have," said
senior Sarah Eichler (Grafton, Wis.). "It's really neat for us to be able to be
a part of this new building because it means they're moving forward."
Members of
the Green Bay women's basketball team and its coaching staff painted the
basement of the new Disabled American Veterans facility. The new office space
is located off Scheuring Road in De Pere and shared by the Desert Veterans of
Wisconsin and the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 224.
"This entire
country was founded on people who gave back in some way, shape or form with
some others giving the ultimate sacrifice. The people that use this building
are those that have lost something giving their service," said Mark Bonovetz,
Vice President of Desert Veterans of Wisconsin. "When we see people like the
women's basketball team come in here and do something like this, it gives you
the complete feeling that there is some good in the world and people genuinely
want to help and give back to our veterans."
The new
facility is a place for all veterans to call home while providing
transportation, fiscal aid and professional services to its members.
"It's great
to help out vets. I remember that feeling of him being gone overseas doing
something for our country and it feels good to help in any way we can," said freshman
Brionna Barnett (Elkhart, Ind.) whose father served eight years with the United
States Army. "We always make everything fun so it's great team chemistry
building and at the same time we're able to give back to the community and show
we care."
Each year,
Green Bay student-athletes complete over 4,000 community service hours helping
various organizations, hosting clinics and camps, and fundraising for local
charities.
You can view
a photo gallery of the project here.
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