2008 Woodie Awards
Iraq unit to bestow colors to Black Bears
Operation Community Support, Operation Skybox to link supporters of Iraq troops and UM Hockey
Matt Williams
Issue date: 11/9/06 Section: News
One of the most solemn honors a military unit can give is the presentation of its colors, the American flag that flies over a base or unit. During Friday night's men's hockey game, the University of Maine will have such an honor bestowed upon it by Company A 1/121 Field Artillery Battalion, a security force unit comprised of soldiers from across the state stationed in Iraq.
The ceremony will take place in conjunction with Operation Skybox, a program that's seen over 100 season ticket and skybox holders donate seats for the game, a 7 p.m. affair against Massachusetts-Lowell. The seats are given to members of the military and their families.
"Operation Community Support, through the Guard Bureau and the family assistance center, we try to do some things for the families. We've gotten tickets to the circus and the [Harlem] Globetrotters before," said Skip Chappelle of Operation Community Support.
The program started when the unit's commander, Capt. Kent Cousins, contacted Chappelle to request some UMaine hockey paraphernalia. His unit was attached to one from Wisconsin, and a friendly rivalry over the states' collegiate hockey clubs ensued.
"There's a little war within a war going on for bragging rights," Chappelle said. "He asked if our group could hustle some UMaine hats, t-shirts, anything that had hockey on it."
The troops proudly displayed a "Go Black Bears" banner as UMaine rose to No. 1 in the nation while defending national champion Wisconsin fell from its lofty perch.
In addition, Chappelle's group has sent some floor hockey equipment over to Iraq so that the units can continue their rivalry in a match on an area basketball court.
To appreciate its connection with UMaine, the unit sent its flag back to Orono.
"It's an honor when you take your flag down to present it to somebody," Chappelle said. "There are seven UMaine students serving over there, so the University of Maine is a significant piece of the puzzle."
Among those expected to attend the ceremony are President Robert Kennedy, Governor John Baldacci and military officials. There is also a military officer tentatively set to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" to kick off the night.
The ceremony will take place in conjunction with Operation Skybox, a program that's seen over 100 season ticket and skybox holders donate seats for the game, a 7 p.m. affair against Massachusetts-Lowell. The seats are given to members of the military and their families.
"Operation Community Support, through the Guard Bureau and the family assistance center, we try to do some things for the families. We've gotten tickets to the circus and the [Harlem] Globetrotters before," said Skip Chappelle of Operation Community Support.
The program started when the unit's commander, Capt. Kent Cousins, contacted Chappelle to request some UMaine hockey paraphernalia. His unit was attached to one from Wisconsin, and a friendly rivalry over the states' collegiate hockey clubs ensued.
"There's a little war within a war going on for bragging rights," Chappelle said. "He asked if our group could hustle some UMaine hats, t-shirts, anything that had hockey on it."
The troops proudly displayed a "Go Black Bears" banner as UMaine rose to No. 1 in the nation while defending national champion Wisconsin fell from its lofty perch.
In addition, Chappelle's group has sent some floor hockey equipment over to Iraq so that the units can continue their rivalry in a match on an area basketball court.
To appreciate its connection with UMaine, the unit sent its flag back to Orono.
"It's an honor when you take your flag down to present it to somebody," Chappelle said. "There are seven UMaine students serving over there, so the University of Maine is a significant piece of the puzzle."
Among those expected to attend the ceremony are President Robert Kennedy, Governor John Baldacci and military officials. There is also a military officer tentatively set to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" to kick off the night.
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