University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA Spring Showcase Raises More than $12,000 for Operation Mend
As a result of the partnership between Operation Mend and UCLA Football’s Spring Showcase, UCLA Athletics is proud to announce a total contribution of $12,615 to the groundbreaking Operation Mend program.
Of Athletics’ total contribution, $11,545 came from 100% of all ticket sales ($5 per ticket; season seat holders admitted free of charge). The remaining $1,070 was 100% of San Pedro Brewing Company’s beer sales during the Wooden Athletic Fund Appreciation Day event following the Spring Showcase.
UCLA Operation Mend is an innovative program that provides returning military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan, and service members wounded in training for battle, who suffer from severe facial and other medical injuries access to the nation's top plastic and reconstructive surgeons, as well as comprehensive medical and mental-health support for the wounded and their families.
Established in 2007 through a partnership envisioned by Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Board and Executive Committee member Ron A. Katz and his (now deceased) wife Maddie, UCLA’S Operation Mend has now treated more than 115 men and women and their families from all branches of the military.
At the April 25th Showcase, Coach Jim Mora and the UCLA Football team hosted wounded veteran Army Specialist Joseph (Joey) Paulk on the field along with Katz, his son, Todd, and grandson, Sean. Following the practice, Mora introduced Paulk to the team and invited him to say a few words before ultimately having him break the huddle.
“It was an honor to be able to recognize Operation Mend,” junior receiver Thomas Duarte said. “To be able to play a small part in paying tribute to one of the bravest men I have met is a moment I won’t forget.”
SPC Paulk, currently retired and living back in his hometown of Oceanside, California with his girlfriend and two dogs, was injured in Afghanistan on July 5, 2007 when his tactical vehicle was hit by 3 anti-tank mines, flipping it over and igniting the fuel tank. Tragically, his team leader lost his life during the attack, and Joey was left with significant injuries.
Suffering 40% burns to his body and face, smoke inhalation, paralysis of his vocal cords and complete amputation of all 10 fingers, he had to re-learn how to walk, talk, swallow, and cope without the use of his hands. Paulk, now an active spokesman for wounded warriors in southern California, is back to being active in athletic activities like snowboarding and soccer.
“To be able to meet Army Specialist Paulk from Operation Mend was an awesome experience,” sophomore linebacker Kenny Young said. “It was great to have him break us down in the huddle after practice, and I’m glad we were able to honor him in front of everyone at the Spring Showcase.”
A video on Joey can be watched here: Army Specialist Joseph (Joey) Paulk | UCLA Operation Mend - Los Angeles, CA