COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- U.S. Army Specialist Thomas Kelley and Marine
Corporal Mark Roop have each fought overseas for America's freedom,
and received high honors for their service during Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
As part of the Ohio Valley Conference's "Hoops for Heroes"
initiative, both warriors and their families have been invited to
attend the OVC Basketball Tournament in Nashville, March 6-9, with
their week's expenses provided from fund-raising efforts by
Tennessee Tech University's student-athletes.
To support the effort, Tech's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
(SAAC) will fan out into the Eblen Center stands on Saturday during
an OVC doubleheader against Austin Peay, with a mission of
collecting donations from TTU fans to support the trip for Kelley
and Roops's families.
Kelley served in Bravo Company, 3rd Brigade, 270th Armored
Division, spending time in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom. He was injured in Iraq in 2003 and
received a Combat Action Badge. Kelley and his wife, Lisa live in
Baxter and have three children -- Elizabeth (7), Daniel (4) and
Emma (1).
Roop served in the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, and fought in
Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal
with Valor. Roop and his wife Renate live in Cookeville and have
one son, Jayden (2).
Kelley and Roop will receive family trips to the OVC Tournament
from Tech's SAAC efforts through the OVC's association with the
Wounded Warrior project. The program was started two years ago.
Tech's fund-raising have gone to Army Lance Corporal Eric Frazier
in 2011 and Army Sergeant Kelly Deming in 2012.
Fans will be asked to give generously to support this effort when
the student-athletes make their way through the arena Saturday
evening.
For additional information on the game or the "Hoops for Heroes"
project, please call (931) 372-3940 or visit the Athletics Ticket
Office in Eblen Center. The doubleheader begins with the women's
game tipoff at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men's contest at 7:30
p.m.
Fans wishing to make donations to the SAAC fund-raising efforts
for the "Hoops for Heroes" program but are not able to attend the
games Saturday may contact the Athletics Ticket Office for
information.