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By Kenya Godette 

�鶹����AV was a finalist in the 2025 Operation Hat Trick (OHT) Excellence in Service Awards, recognizing the University’s commitment to support the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans through the sale of licensed OHT apparel. 

Dedicated to Navy SEALs Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, who were killed in Iraq in 2008 and are buried side by side at Arlington National Cemetery, Operation Hat Trick is the first national philanthropic nonprofit to integrate an apparel licensing program. By selling licensed products at more than 500 colleges and universities nationwide, OHT raises awareness and generates support for its mission through royalties. 

�鶹����AV was one of only three universities in Virginia, and one of 13 nationwide, honored for its efforts to advance OHT’s mission. Finalists were selected based on criteria to fully integrate OHT into their institution, bookstores and social media and marketing campaigns to raise awareness for OHT. 

Over the past five years, �鶹����AV has generated more than $40,000 in sales of OHT apparel online and in the �鶹����AV Bookstore with approximately 10% of royalties going back to support OHT's mission. 

“Being named a finalist for the OHT Excellence in Service Awards is a testament to �鶹����AV’s deep and ongoing commitment to our military community,” said Brian Eubank, executive director of licensing. “We’re proud to partner with Operation Hat Trick to turn something as simple as apparel into meaningful support for wounded veterans and service members.” 

As part of the recognition, Operation Hat Trick made an $8,500 charitable donation on behalf of each finalist to a military-related organization of their choice. �鶹����AV selected “The Fallen Outdoors,” a nonprofit dedicated to building a strong network of support for service members by connecting them through therapeutic outdoor activities including fishing and hunting. The organization’s work helps combat isolation and promote community among those who have served. 

Operation Hat Trick not only partners with American colleges and universities, but NHL, NBA and MiLB teams too. Licensed OHT products are available through online retailers like Fanatics and Amazon and national retailers including Cracker Barrel, DICK’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kohl’s, Lids and Scheels. To learn more about OHT, visit .����

This is just the latest achievement for �鶹����AV’s military programs, following consecutive awards in 2023 and 2024 as a Military Times Best for Vets School and a gold ranking in the 2024 Military Times Best for Vets awards.����

The University supports military-affiliated students in a variety of other ways including: 

• The Military Connection Center, committed to assisting military students, veterans and their dependents navigate the application, admission and enrollment process. 

• , whose academic programs incorporate credit that may be earned outside the classroom through examinations, experience and/or training. 

• VetSuccess on Campus, which aims to help veterans and service members through coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling. 

• Operation BLUE: Bridging Life and University Experience is a yearlong active learning program where student veterans are guided through intentionally designed activities to gain practical experience, self-awareness and transferable skills. For more information, email the Veteran Outreach & Student Services Coordinator or complete an