Washington, D.C. – The University of the
District of Columbia held a Military Appreciation Night during its
East Coast Conference basketball doubleheader against the
University of Bridgeport on Wednesday, January 30th to honor the
nation’s active military and veterans. In partnership with
the Wounded Warrior Project, the Firebirds played host to wounded
veteran, Michael Allison and his son, Omar.
Over 48,000 service members have been physically wounded in the
current conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds of
thousands more have been attempting to recuperate from invisible
injuries. These wounds include post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), increasing depression, and traumatic brain injury
(TBI).
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a nonprofit organization whose
mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors and make this the
most successful and well-adjusted group of veterans in our
nation’s history. The organization gives support to
thousands of Wounded Warriors and caregivers each year through
programs that are designed to nurture the mind and body, as well as
encourage economic engagement and empowerment.
The purpose of the Wounded Warrior Project is to raise awareness
and engage the aid of the public for our wounded military.
They also seek to provide service men and women with the means to
assist each other, as well as to offer unique, direct programs and
services to meet their individual needs. The organization
also looks to support the families, aid in recovery, and provide a
smooth transition back into civilian life for our service members
by means of Family Support Retreats, combat stress programs, as
well as career and education programs.
Allison hails from Saint Catherine’s, Jamaica, and he just
recently moved to the Washington, DC area from Miami, Florida. He
was a sergeant in the Marine Core, serving his country for eight
years. He was stationed in Camp Lejuene, North Carolina,
Okinawa, Japan, Quantico, Virginia, and Iraq, among other
places. During his service, Allison earned the distinction as
a Purple Heart Recipient. While deployed in Iraq, he was hit
by shrapnel from a Vehicle Born Explosive Device or VBED.
The University of the District of Columbia thanked Sergeant Michael
Allison for his years of service by having him sit on the bench
with the men’s basketball team during its game and honoring
him during a halftime ceremony.
Provided by the District of Columbia Sports Information Department.
