June 18, 2009

DAVIS, Calif. - For the second straight year, Gary Stewart has completed an overseas trip with the United Service Organization (USO). The latest experience for the UC Davis head men's basketball coach was a tour in Afghanistan as part of the USO's "Operation Hoop Talk: Talking With The Troops."

Stewart and seven other current and former head college coaches joined forces and spent six days in Afghanistan. The trip encompassed a total of eight days with one spent in Kuwait both before and after traveling to Afghanistan. Modes of transportation included the C-17, C-130 and Black Hawk helicopter.

While in Afghanistan, the contingent visited troops in Kandahar, Bagram and Kabul. The coaches took part in "meet and greets" as well as a tour of an F-15 and various military transport vehicles. In addition, the coaches were present at a service for a fallen soldier. They also visited four hospitals, including the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Last year, Stewart took part in the same operation in Iraq. As a result, he is one of three current collegiate coaches to have visited both Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the USO tours.