On average, 22 veterans take their own life on a daily basis.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is prevalent in our veterans and soldiers’ lives. Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor Program in Quakertown is doing something to help our Veterans improve their quality of life, while honoring many soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The Northampton boys volleyball team has partnered with Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor to raise awareness of the struggles some veterans face. Having the assistance of a service dog can dramatically improve a veteran’s quality of life.

The team is committed to raise awareness of the organizations mission while soliciting for funds to support such a program.

On April 11, the team challenged themselves and others to participate in a 22 challenge. Each day, they have committed to doing 22 pushups to demonstrate their commitment to our veterans. The team has dedicated their last day of the challenge, Wednesday, May 2, as a community awareness and charity game.

Northampton boys volleyball will take on the Emmaus Green Hornets in a league game that has become known as “Volley for Valor.”

Northampton High School’s military recruiters, enlisted students, Northampton boys and girls volleyball teams, and Emmaus’ volleyball team will honor our soldiers of past and present in a special ceremony. Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor will be accompanied by several of their puppies in training including “Geiger.”

Sergeant Christopher Geiger, raised in Kreidersville, and a 1983 graduate of Northampton Area High School spent four years in the active Army after graduating. He joined the National Guard’s 3623rd Maintenance Company in Bethlehem, now Company B, before becoming a member of the 213th Area Support Group in Allentown. Sgt. Geiger, while serving at Bagram Air Base – Afghanistan, succumbed to heart failure after a day of escorting young Afghan boys who work on this military base. The Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor has recognized Sgt. Geiger’s sacrifice for our freedom. The programs newest puppy in training is named “Geiger” in his honor.

The event agenda is as follows

5 p.m. - Final 22 pushups led by Northampton’s Military Recruiters

5:10 p.m. - Team warmups

5:30 p.m. - Ceremony introduction and thank you to our recruiters, enlisted students, and veterans. Recognition of Honored guest “Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor”

5:45 p.m. - National Anthem played on the cello by Northampton student and volleyball player Spencer Gerhard, vocals by his mother.