USA Field Hockey and STX LCC helped U.S. troops stationed in Iraq take part in the sport by sending field hockey equipment to the men and women of Forward Operating Base 13 in Taji, Iraq.
The field hockey sticks, as well as USA Field Hockey and STX t-shirts and stickers, were provided as the result of a request by Sandy Napolet, the mother of Company First Sergeant James Napolet, and enabled the troops to stage their own competition on the base's dirt field.
'We received the equipment and the troops were very excited to receive the hats, t-shirts and stickers,' the First Sergeant wrote in a letter of appreciation.
'The very next day, we had two teams out on a dusty field going at it. They had a great time and are very thankful for the contributions.'
STX is the official stick supplier to the USA Field Hockey Equipment Grant program which provides assistance to new and developing field hockey grass roots programs through the distribution of field hockey sticks, balls, protective gear and other necessary equipment.
The FOB 13 game may have been a rare instance of an international field hockey competition in Iraq. The country does not have a national association within the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
'To all of those involved, I want to personally thank each of you for putting smiles on the faces of the men and women of FOB 13 during a time when appreciation from the States isn't always seen,' added Napolet.
