Sullivan Blue Dolphins Collect Items for Veterans
![](http://newsprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SBD-veterans.jpg)
Photo submitted by Kent Schmohe
The Blue Dolphin swimmers with representatives from the Legion. Seated row, Navy Veteran and Head Coach Jason Drury, Wendy Elzy Civic Center Director, American Legion Melanie Byers, Bob Sims, Greg Van Praag, Bob Ingram, Veteran Swim parents Jamie Rafferty and Jaime Perrott
•February 22, 2023•
Submitted by Kent Schmohe
Vice President
3,648 items, that is the number of items the Sullivan Blue Dolphins raised for the Danville VA Hospital in conjunction with the Sullivan American Legion. This marks the 15th year that Head Coach Jason Drury has challenged the team to give back to the community. The Dolphins collected three times more items than the challenge was set for. Drury said we are thankful for the support of the community every year and I tell the kids Veterans are not just Veterans in November. It is great as a team that we can have a learning moment while filling a year around need. The swimmers also invite Veteran parents or active-duty parents to attend the event. Assistant Coach Nichole Hendry whose husband, Craig, is a US Air Force Veteran said as a military family it is nice to see the Blue Dolphins giving back and at the same time acknowledging the military families. It just adds to the environment that we are more than a swim team, we are a swim family and proud of all members.