National Guard scores a recruiting 'slam dunk' at University of Wisconsin

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue

Wisconsin National Guard

Soldiers of the Wisconsin National Guard earned a victory in the recruiting arena Sunday, as more than 200 University of Wisconsin students took to the courts to participate in a National Guard 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at the Camp Randall Sports Complex.

Olympic gold medalist and NBA player Tom "The Hammer" Hammonds joined forces with the National Guard and local recruiters to host a day of friendly competition and to inform the college-aged students of the benefits of joining the National Guard.

"I'm here to tell you that the National Guard is a tremendous option in your life," Hammonds said. "You can start off in life going forward instead of backward."

Sunday's tournament has been deemed a success by tournament officials - generating more than 230 participants and 55 appointments to talk to a recruiter on-site or down the road. A site team visited the campus two weeks in advance to promote the event and, overall, the visit to Madison produced nearly 600 qualified leads for recruiters to follow.

Hammonds as well as other event staff showed a motivational video synopsis of the National Guard and spoke about the many benefits of joining the Guard – such as paid tuition, work experience and serving their country.

Anya Covington, a senior forward for the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team, attended the 3-on-3 tourney to take part in the challenge - she left with a greater understanding of the National Guard.

"I completely respect the military - the discipline and the training," Covington said. "I feel like this event is really well done and I think the Guard is a great option for everyone."

1st. Lt. Johnny Simmons, Wisconsin National Guard recruiting and retention command, said he's been all but begging to get the tournament to Madison since he initially heard about it a few years ago.

"A lot of kids are intimidated to talk to recruiters in school, but in a venue like this, it's a relaxed atmosphere," Simmons said. "Usually we don't get these kinds of numbers in one day, listening to the message all at once."

The 3-on-3 program, in its third year, has traveled around the country - visiting more than 30 schools and communities in an effort to find quality "leads" and promote the National Guard's message to a nation-wide demographic of 17-24 year old college students.

"When all parties are fully engaged early in the program development and pre-promotion process and continue to be involved and collaborating during the tournament event, turnout is strong, the event atmosphere is fun, entertaining and educational ... for all who participate," said Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Merrill, the tournament program manager.

Some Wisconsin Guard recruiters feel they gained access to valuable territory because it's the first time in recent memory the recruiters have had the opportunity to come onto the campus.

"The recent collaboration between National Guard Bureau, Wisconsin National Guard and the University of Wisconsin exemplified a successful 3-on-3 program," said Merrill.

The day started and ended with basketball in mind. Interwoven into this fun event was a message of patriotism and the National Guard.

Hammonds - a first-round draft pick in the NBA who played 12 seasons of professional basketball and won a gold medal with the 1986 U.S. National Basketball Team - said he likes being around basketball, but even more so when it's for a good cause.

"It means so much to me because of the students," Hammonds said. "I'm pro-National Guard for what the National Guard stands for - being able to affect lives in this country as well as abroad."