July 31, 2008

DAYTON, Ohio - University of Dayton men's basketball coach Brian Gregory is one of eight college basketball coaches who have been chosen to travel to the Persian Gulf and visit troops as part of the fifth installment of "Operation Hardwood," a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour.

The tour features a week-long basketball tournament and championship game with some of the best military players stationed overseas. Equipment and uniforms for this tour are being provided by NIKE. Joining Gregory on the tour are Fran Fraschilla (ESPN Basketball Analyst and former St. John's head coach), Jeff Jones (American), Reggie Minton (National Association of Basketball Coaches Deputy Director and former Air Force head coach), Tom Pecora (Hofstra), Barry Rohrssen (Manhattan), Tom Schuberth (Texas-Pan American) and Jerry Wainwright (DePaul).

"These men and women sacrifice so much to serve our country," Gregory said. "For me to be given the opportunity to show our support is unbelievable. I'm very, very honored to be a part of it."

"Operation Hardwood V" will kick off in Washington, D.C., where the group will meet visit with wounded service members receiving care at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center. Following their visit to the District, the coaches and sports personalities will journey overseas to spend time with troops, tour military vessels, pose for pictures and sign autographs.

"For eight days, we hope to give them a little fun and bring a little bit of home back to them," Gregory said. "These people are the heroes of today. They put themselves in harm's way every day, and it will be a great honor to be with them over there."

Lieutenant Colonel Chuck Schretzman is the Commander of the University of Dayton's Army ROTC program and a Professor of Military Science. He knows first-hand what tours such as Operation Hardwood mean.

"This fantastic program allows these soldiers valuable time away from the daily drudgeries of a war zone, to forget for a little while where they are, and to experience a piece of home, Schretzman said. " I can tell you as a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan the soldiers will absolutely enjoy their time with coach Gregory. I am proud that he can bring a little of UD to our troops over there."

Created to boost morale and bring a touch of home to those in uniform, the "Operation Hardwood" series has toured with the USO since 2005. Continuing with its mission of bringing sports figures and sports-related events to troops overseas, "Operation Hardwood" has deployed more than 35 NCAA basketball coaches and sports personalities to Kuwait and Japan.

Among the coaches and basketball figures who have participated in previous tours are Jay Bilas, Mike Brey, Bobby Cremins, Tom Izzo, Bobby Lutz, the late Skip Prosser, Tubby Smith, Gary Williams and Karl Hobbs.

"I've talked with coaches who have been a part of the Operation Hardwood tours, and they have all said what a rewarding experience it is," Gregory added.

The USO (United Service Organizations) provides morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. To learn more about the USO or to find out how to support the troops, visit www.uso.org.