Sale of New UC Caps Benefits Veterans

The University of Cincinnati has just begun offering special caps for sale as part of

Operation Hat Trick

, a program wherein a portion of the proceeds benefits the Veterans Affairs General Post Fund.

That fund in turn benefits VA medical centers nationwide, which use the funding for veterans’ recovery, comfort kits and more.

The UC caps cost $22 and are available both

online

and in the UC Bookstores. The caps come in three styles:

• One is an adjustable-size cap with a camouflage design and with the UC logo.

• One is an adjustable-size cap in Bearcat colors and with the UC logo.

• One is a stretch-fit cap in Bearcat colors and with the UC logo.
  

“The hats are a way for the larger university community of alumni, fans and supporters to benefit both our military veterans and UC programs,” said Marty Ludwig, UC

licensing

director, adding, “UC has a long history of support for those serving our country, from ROTC programs, specialized training for trauma surgeons treating wounded veterans, faculty from our College of Medicine providing care at the VA Hospital and research activities for advanced technologies related to defense.”

The Operation Hat Trick program began at the University of New Hampshire after a Boston radio station challenged listeners to guess what soldiers most often asked for upon their return to the United States – something to cover their head burns, wounds and scars.

In its initial stage, OHT delivered hats directly to veterans. Now, through the program, 10 percent of proceeds benefit veterans, and 10 percent benefits the participating university. UC is one of only 46 universities in the nation participating in OHT.

Dot Sheehan, OHT founder and director, said, “The primary objective of the program is to build support and funds for our soldiers and veterans seeking medical treatment at VA medical centers. We are excited about UC’s participation and believe that UC’s supporters will come out in support of our veterans by purchasing the UC/OHT co-branded caps.”

Whit Babcock, UC director of athletics, agreed, “We know our fans and alumni both love UC and appreciate those who serve our country, and this program allows them to support both at the same time.”