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Gladiators Reach Out Overseas

November 13, 2009

By Christine Troyke
Staff Writer
Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH, Ga. - In honor of Veterans Day, the Gwinnett Gladiators thought they’d do something to help out troops stationed in Iraq.

A relationship had developed between several members of the Gladiators’ front office and Lt. Col. Daniel Barnes, who became a fan of the minor league hockey team while he and his family were stationed in Atlanta from 2006-08.

Barnes is now serving in Iraq and Steve Chapman, the Gladiators’ general manager, asked if there was anything the team or fans could provide to Barnes’ unit. With two home games the Friday and Saturday after Veterans Day, it was an opportunity to involve what has proven to be a generous fanbase.

“I asked if there were things we could collect and send over to his unit, magazines or what,” Chapman said. “I’m not sure what they’re lacking in creature comforts over there.

“But he said they’re trying to decrease their footprint in anticipation of pulling out.”

Instead of something for his unit, Barnes suggested a program that helps children in Iraq.

Operation Back to School is being led by Chaplain Christopher Weinrich and Capt. Brent Lindley, who are at Barnes’ Camp Taji location. It’s a program run by volunteers and puts bags of school supplies directly into the hands of every child at the schools that are chosen.

“I told him heck yeah we’d try it,” Chapman said. “I know, particularly in Georgia, there’s a strong support of our military. I thought that was a pretty unique request.”

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