GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) --- On Saturday, Nov. 11, Green Bay Phoenix women's basketball will host a Military Appreciation Day game at 12 p.m. at the Kress Events Center. The game will offer free tickets for veterans and current service members and will also feature special moments throughout the game to honor veterans and efforts supporting veterans.
 
Green Bay Athletics will also present the Lou LeCalsey Phoenix Hero Award which is given to an individual or organization who has made a significant impact or achievement in the advancement of veterans' services in Northeast Wisconsin. This year's recipient is Craig Dickman, UW-Green Bay alumnus, Council of Trustees member, philanthropist and past commencement speaker. Craig, along with his wife, Karen, support a number of veteran causes throughout Northeast Wisconsin but especially invested in veteran support on the UW-Green Bay Campus by donating funds for the Veteran's Lounge in 2014 and more recently this fall expanded the space to a larger room.
 
Lou LeCalsey, UW-Green Bay Council of Trustees President and the namesake for the Phoenix Hero Award which he received in 2016, nominated Dickman for the honor. LeCalsey said, "Everything around Craig revolves around his care for veterans on campus and off campus as signified by his investment in the Vet's Lounge. With a son currently serving in the military and his father's past 35 years of service in the Army and National Guard, Craig grew a deep sense of appreciation for those who serve our country and continually steps up to the plate to support them."
 
Elaina Koltz, Financial Aid Senior Adviser and Veteran Services Representative at UW-Green Bay, received the award in 2015 and also nominated Dickman. Koltz said, "Craig and his wife Karen have been veteran advocates for UW-Green Bay veteran students for many years. Whenever they heard a whisper of need from our student veterans, they were there assisting with support. As our veteran population grew from 60 to over 400 with dependents, they supported the veteran lounge, always asking "what can we do to help?" In addition, each year Craig has taken time out of his very busy schedule to be present at graduation ceremonies and Chancellor's veteran receptions in November. Not only is he present at these functions, but as I attend other veteran functions in the community, I find he and Karen are usually involved in a major way."
 
Lou LeCalsey will present Dickman with the award during the second quarter of Green Bay women's basketball's game on Saturday against Chattanooga. For more information on Green Bay Athletics, visit GreenBayPhoenix.com.
 
Past Award Recipients:
2014-Dick Marbes
2015-Elaina Koltz
2016-Lou LeCalsey
 
Download a ticket order form for free tickets for veterans and current military service members here. (PDF)