Feb. 14, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Coaches and student-athletes from the UAB softball, volleyball and women's golf teams visited patients at the Birmingham VA Medical Center on Thursday as part of National Salute to Hospitalized Veteran's Week.

While at the hospital, they were able to hear stories from veterans in the line of duty, deliver gifts from UAB Athletics and bring a smile to many patients who ranged from being discharged that day to those in an extended-care capacity.

"I really enjoyed talking with and meeting everyone today," said UAB head softball coach Marla Townsend whose team left for the Seminole Classic in Tallahassee, Fla. later in the day. "It hit home with me when one gentleman we met had actually sent me emails years ago (he coached youth softball at Avondale) and another gentleman and I had mutual friends. It just goes to show that we come in contact with veterans nearly everyday. Today was a day when I got to say thank you for their service to our country."

UAB head volleyball coach Kerry Messersmith shared similar thoughts on the visit.

"It was great to visit the veterans and hear their stories and see first hand what great people they are," Messersmith said. "Hero is often a word used to describe athletes, but today we got to go meet real heroes because that's exactly what everyone we met is - an American hero."

On Friday morning, the UAB men's basketball team will visit the hospital.