Coming from a military family, Mercy College softball player Cait Rohme was about to participate in a family tradition—writing holiday cards to wounded soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Her thoughts then quickly spread; first to include her teammates, then to include all student-athletes at the Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., campus.

On Wednesday, December 15, Rohme was joined by about  70 other student-athletes from Mercy College, representing the cross country, volleyball, field hockey, men’s soccer, women’s basketball, baseball, and women’s lacrosse teams. Collectively, they paused from writing papers and prepping for finals to hand-write notes and letters to be sent to Washington, D.C., facility.

“I am so excited,” the senior from Patchogue, N.Y., exclaimed.  “These soldiers gave so much for us. I want them to know that we appreciate that. And, hopefully we can provide them some encouragement and cheer during the holidays.”

The cards and notes will be mailed to Walter Reed Medical Center, and distributed during the week of December 20.

“It’s great that our own athletes have taken this initiative,”  said Director of Athletics Pat Kennedy. “We know that we are a part of a larger community, and that we are fortunate to have what we do.”

News 12 Westchester aired a clip of the event. It can be seen here.