Philadelphia, Pa. – (12/2/2016) – Paying respect and honoring those who have put their lives on the line for their country, the Chestnut Hill College women's basketball team and Department of Athletics will host a Military Appreciation Night during the Griffins' December 7 (7:00 p.m.) contest versus the University of Bridgeport; a date which also marks the historic 75^th Anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

"We are really excited, both as a team and school, to have this Military Appreciation Night because it gives us an opportunity to thank and recognize those men and women who have, and are currently, serving our country," stated Chestnut Hill College Head Women's Basketball Coach Mike West. "It is fitting to play on the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor because it provides a backdrop for the game and creates an opportunity for not only my team but everyone involved the chance to remember a major event in our country's history."
 
Benefitting the Philadelphia Veterans House and military veterans in the local and College communities, the Military Appreciation Night will include a stirring presentation of our National Anthem – featuring a donated, court-sized American flag from Metropolitan Flag & Banner -, a halftime veteran recognition, and a "Coat and Can" drive (all non-perishable food items will be accepted). A variety of giveaways and memorabilia sales will be available to all in attendance.
 
Junior guard Caroline Gehring (New Suffolk, N.Y.), a daughter, granddaughter, and niece of naval veterans, has been integral in the planning of the event. "As a team we decided that this would be a great opportunity to give back to our veterans. They have risked their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms of our country. We have depended on them to keep our country safe and free so it is only right to give back to them," offered Gehring.
 
"My teammates and I are also really excited to interact with the veterans that come to the game and the veterans we will be visiting at the homeless shelter and VA hospital. For me personally this game means a little extra because of the numerous family members I have who served in Navy."
 
The women's basketball team has received an outpouring of support from others in the College community, including Assistant Registrar and VA Certifying Official, Marie Scheetz. "What the women's basketball team is doing for our veterans is awesome! The time and effort they are taking to acknowledge their fellow classmates and community members who have selflessly served their country is truly outstanding."
 
"Our team is also looking forward to getting out in the community to do service with local veterans when we go make breakfast for the at a homeless shelter for veterans, take coats and canned foods to the shelter and visit the VA hospital to spend some time with veterans. We hope it's a memorable night not only for the veterans but the entire community," Coach West expressed. In addition to Wednesday's event, Coach West's team will be participating in a couple community service projects associated with local veteran communities. The first of which has the Griffins serving breakfast at a local shelter and the latter spending time at a veterans hospital. Please check back later for updates on the Griffins' good works as "Dear Neighbors".
 
The main event in a series of promotional nights for the Chestnut Hill College basketball season, the Military Appreciation Night is sure to be a memorable evening for all members of GriffinNation. Both teams will don camouflage warm-ups in their traditional school colors to show support for the veterans of our various military branches. Those wishing to donate to the evening can do so by contacting Chestnut Hill College Head Women's Basketball Coach, Mike West at westm@chc.edu or 215-242-7745.
 
Throughout the evening Corie Apodaca, the softball representative for the Chestnut Hill College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), will be actively engaging the social media community with live updates, pictures, video, and featurettes on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We encourage all in attendance to interact on the Chestnut Hill College social media platforms using the hashtag; #ScarletandGold4RedWhiteandBlue, and the social media information below:
 
Facebook: Chestnut Hill College Athletics
 
Twitter: @CHC_WBB, @CHCAthletics
 
Instagram: chc_wbb, chcgriffins
 
Hashtags: #ScarletandGold4RedWhiteandBlue, #MakeADifference, #MakeItYours, #GriffinNation, #chcwbb, #NCAADII, #CACC