Over the fourth of July weekend, several members of the Warhawk football team spent their time at the Milwaukee Country Zoo.
On the fifth, Milwaukee County executive, Scott Walker, wanted to thank the veterans and their families by offering them free admission to the zoo as part of Milwaukee County Operation Freedom. UW-Whitewater alumnus and former Warhawk football player Tom Karthausser notified the warhawks of the volunteer opportunity at the zoo.
Head coach Lance Leipold said, "as a team we want to give back to the community." The Warhawks were there to offer support by spending the day grilling food for the veterans. Karthausser said,"They [the football players] did an outstanding job. Collectively, we grilled 24,000 pieces of meat and all was served to veterans and their families."
Troney Shumpert, a Milwaukee Bay View alumnus said, "It was a great opportunity to be active in the community."
Paul Wick said," It was a good opportunity." Both Wick and Shumpert expressed that it was good to get together with teammates over the summer. Shumpert conveyed that supporting the troops was most important.
Karthauser, when asked why they chose this particular opportunity responded by saying, "I thought for the fourth of July it was appropriate we serve our veterans."
Those that volunteered included current players Logan Allemand, Tim Depies, Mark Gawronski, Grant Murray, Sam Overton, Aaron Rusch, Troney Shumpert, Jake Taylor, Paul Wick and former Warhawk Pete Kishline.
UW-W football won the Stagg Bowl, the NCAA DIII national championship, in 2007 and were runners up in 2005, 2006, and 2008.
For more information visit: Milwaukee County Operation Freedom