Chicago Sky to Host Operation Gratitude to Salute US Military at the May 30 Game
Published on May 26, 2006 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Chicago Sky News Release
CHICAGO - The Chicago Sky, the newest team in the WNBA, will be hosting 'Operation: Gratitude - Salute to the United States Military' during the May 30 home game at 8pm against the Los Angeles Sparks. The game will feature a full evening of activities and ceremonies to express gratitude and appreciation to the members of the United States military.
The night of events includes the presentation of colors by a Chicago Public School JROTC program, a performance of the National Anthem by the Great Lakes Naval Band, precise drill team exercises by JROTC program cadets and a special recognition ceremony and award presentation to members of the military.
Nearly 1,000 military members will be attending the game free of charge as a show of gratitude for the work they do. These groups will be recognized along with all current military personnel and veterans during a timeout in the first quarter.
The Chicago Sky first teamed up with the Great Lakes Naval Base on May 16-17 when players and coaches spent two days on the base as a mandatory portion of the team's inaugural training camp. Sky forward/center Candice Dupree, whose parents were in the Air Force, will be making the player address prior to the start of the game.
Among those expected to be in attendance will be Rear Admiral Gary R. Jones, Rear Admiral Jon Bayless, Captain Richard Postera, Captain Annie Andrews, Master Chief Petty Officer April Beldo, USO Illinois Chairman Pat Casey, Cong. Mark Kirk, Cong . Danny Davis, Cong. Melissa Bean and officials from CPS JROTC. Special individuals who will be recognized during the game include:
Petty Officer Fernanda Velazquez : Recent returnee from Iraq. She was stationed as a hospital Corpsmen with the Marines.
Petty Officer LaTanya Welch : Recent returnee from Afghanistan where she served as a religious programs specialist. She assisted the Navy chaplains in preparing for services, many times in remote areas in fox holes, but her main job was as bodyguard for chaplains, who don't carry weapons.
Chief Petty Officer LaTorsha Dunn : a resident of Oakland, CA, she was assigned to the Navy Provisional Guard Battalion 6.5 Charlie Company, where she conducted detention and interrogation operations to collect intelligence in support of the Global War on Terrorism, coordinated and implemented Detainee screening operations, and supported law enforcement and war crimes investigations.
Petty Officer Anna L. Eves : a resident of Rockford, IL who is currently stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes Illinois. She was deployed August 3, 2005 to March 28, 2006 to Guantanamo Bay Cuba and was also assigned to the Navy Provisional Guard Battalion 6.5 Charlie Company.
Colonel Jill Morgenthaler: a 30-year Army veteran who has had a notable career, with 25 years of reserve service and five years on active duty. She has served in Korea, Germany, Thailand, Bosnia, Egypt and Iraq. Col. Morgenthaler returned from Ir aq in September 2004. She is also a Bronze Star recipient and is currently the Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety and Homeland Security.
The Sky's May 30 game will be nationally televised on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. The Chicago Sky is the 14th team in the WNBA and is led by General Manager and Head Coach Dave Cowens, a member of the NBA Hall of Fame. The season runs through Aug. 12 with 17 regular-season home games. Full season, partial season, group and individual game tickets are available at www.chicagosky.net or by calling (877) 329-WNBA (9622).
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- Chicago Sky to Host Operation Gratitude to Salute US Military at the May 30 Game - Chicago Sky
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