Saints Donate Over $7,000 to the USO: Fort Drum

by: 

Tara Freeman

The Saints football team donated $7,675 to the USO: Fort Drum.

Nov. 15: The St. Lawrence University football team raised money throughout the 2012 season to benefit troops facing hardships at Fort Drum in Watertown, NY.

The team hosted a "Tribute to the Troops" on September 8, supported by a St. Lawrence University innovation grant. The Saints wore commemorative camouflage uniforms against Norwich that afternoon which were sold following the game. Those proceeds, along with donations and other fundraising efforts, allowed the team to present a check for $7,675 to the USO: Fort Drum during the University's Homecoming Weekend.

"I want to thank the University innovation grants committee and President Fox for supporting this cause, and helping us establish a connection with the brave men and women stationed at Fort Drum," said St. Lawrence head coach Mark Raymond. "We received tremendous support from the local and campus communities, and had the chance to meet some truly special people thanks to this effort."

The USO: Fort Drum is a group dedicated to lifting spirits of troops and their families, while providing support to "Operation: Enduring Care."

"In talking with the representatives at the USO, we knew this group would use our donation to help those in need that are stationed in Watertown," added Coach Raymond. "They do great work in supporting our servicemen and women."

In conjunction with the innvoation grant, a panel presentation was held in September regarding Fort Drum's presence in the North Country and the mental and physical hardships faced by those stationed on the base. Presenters at that panel included Col. Eric Wagenaar, Capt. John Casas M.D. and Dr. Todd Benham.

The Saints football program continued their work in the community recently by organizing a clothing drive to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy in Long Island, NY.  The team delivered an entire U-Haul full of clothing and goods, as well as a donation of $600, to the Red Cross prior to the team's game last Saturday against the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.