DAHLONEGA | On the 14^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks on the United States, the University of North Georgia Department of Athletics is announcing a year-long military initiative called OPERATION NIGHTHAWKS OF HONOR where each of the department's sports teams will celebrate the men and women of our military who have bravely served or are serving our country, paying specific tribute to service members that have a distinct connection to UNG.

Earlier today, the UNG campus community gathered at the North Georgia Memorial in front of Memorial Hall for a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony that included peformances by the UNG Patriot Choir, the Golden Eagle Band and the Blue Ridge Rifles.  President Dr. Bonita Jacobs spoke to the overflow crowd before laying a wreath at the Memorial and Richard Neikirk, Major (Retired), U.S. Army, Assistant Commandant at UNG spoke of the impact the events of that day continue to have on the North Georgia community.

"Operation Nighthawks of Honor is a special year-long initiative that recognizes North Georgia's rich tradition of military excellence," stated UNG director of athletics Lindsay Reeves. "Our tight community of Nighthawks greatly respects and appreciates all that armed service members', past and present, sacrifice for our country."

The department's annual Military Appreciation Days at soccer, basketball, baseball and softball games will now take on the OPERATION NIGHTHAWKS OF HONOR theme as the department honors all military service members. Additionally, each of the department's intercollegiate teams will pay a season-long tribute to a UNG service member that heroically served their country. The teams will honor these heroes in their own special way ranging from displaying a commemorative jersey at games, jersey patches worn by current players, initials on team hats and other acts of remembrance that honors those that have served our country with honor and distinction.

The initiative will culminate with an OPERATION NIGHTHAWKS OF HONOR Day on April 9 where the 11 honorees and/or their families will be recognized before the UNG baseball team's 7:00 p.m. game with Young Harris. Some of the jerseys and mementos used by the Nighthawk teams will also be raffled off in a silent auction with all proceeds benefitting the UNG Corps of Cadets Endowment Fund.

In a combined initiative, the NCAA Division II office and the Peach Belt Conference are entering the second year of a pilot program partnering the membership with neighboring military installations to demonstrate the advantages and benefits of linking schools, student-athletes, military installations and local communities together.

One of only six federally designated senior military colleges in the nation, UNG carries the distinction of The Military College of Georgia and its nationally recognized Army ROTC program attracts students from across the state, region and nation.

UNG has commissioned more than 50 General Officers, ten of whom are currently serving in a variety of command positions including: Commander (Third Army/ARCENT), Commander (XVIII Airborne Corps), Deputy Commander (U.S. Army Europe), Commander U.S. Cyber Command and many more. Many other alumni of UNG completed successful military careers and hundreds are currently serving on active duty today at all levels of command.

OPERATION NIGHTHAWKS OF HONOR • 2015-16 Sport Honorees

Baseball: LTC Amzi R. Quillian (World War II)
Basketball (Men): CPT Charles B. Johnson (Vietnam)
Basketball (Women): CPT Jeremy A. Chandler (Afghanistan)
Cross Country (Women): CPL Thomas Coggins (Afghanistan) *
Golf (Men): James E. Corley (World War II)
Golf (Women): MAJ Kevin Jenrette (Afghanistan)
Rifle: CPT William A. Branch (Vietnam)
Soccer (Women): SGT Andrew McConnell (Afghanistan)
Soccer (Men): SFC Charles H. Warren (Iraq)
Softball: CPT Robert A. Thompson (Vietnam)
Tennis (Men & Women): MAJ John Rudolph Pearson (Vietnam)

* CPL Thomas Coggins is a wounded veteran currently enrolled at UNG.