EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE proudly announces the selection of Walter Chase for the Ohio Valley Conference Hoops for Heroes initiative. This initiative looks to honor veterans from OVC schools that have served in the military. Chase was honored at SIUE's game on Feb 27 during the game ball presentation.
 
Hoops for Heroes is a Student Academic Advisory Council initiative, that allows for board members to choose someone in their community to attend the OVC tournament. SAAC collaborated with the Associate Athletic Director for Revenue Generation Jake Sutter to pick their candidate this season.
 
"We are thrilled to have the chance at recognizing Walter Chase this year as our SIUE Hoops for Heroes," Sutter stated. "He was unable to attend the last time he was asked and to be able to do it while the Cougars have a double bye make it that much more sweet! SIUE has a number of season ticket holders that were deserving of this honor by we look forward to telling their stories as we make it to March for the tournament."
 
Walter Chase is originally from Easton, Maryland where he attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force in 1978 where he served for 24 years. His duty at this time was acting as the Missile Combat Crew Commander and the Chief / Director of Human Resources.
 
Later he was also ranked as the Squadron Commander working for the Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force Inspector General team. He also worked as a Director of Operations Executive Officer for the Headquarters of Air Mobility Command.
 
Chase received a plethora of honors and awards during his service. He was recognized by the Air force for Outstanding Missile Combat Crew Commander, Outstanding Units and Outstanding Human Resources Division.
 
His last assignment was at the Scott Air Force Base before where he served as Lieutenant Colonel, the highest rank, before retiring in 2001 to the Edwardsville area. Following his retirement, he taught the AFJROTC from 2001-2018.
 
Currently he is involved in several organizations including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, NAACP Edwardsville, Illinois Chapter, and is a member of the Mt. Joy Baptist Church in Edwardsville.
 
Since moving to Edwardsville, he was introduced to SIUE by some friends five years ago and has been an avid support of both men's and women's basketball ever since. He enjoys attending the games and meeting new people at Frist Community Arena.