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K-State Today

February 13, 2020

K-State military affairs director to help Kobe Bryant's legacy with the underserved

Submitted by Art DeGroat

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Art DeGroat, K-State executive director of military and veterans affairs, serves as a founding member of Kobe Bryant's Mamba Sports Academy Foundation, in Thousand Oaks, California.

DeGroat, who is responsible for outreach programs for military youth, disabled veterans and veteran athletes, will travel to Thousand Oaks soon to participate in strategic planning for the foundation's expansion to serve the nation's military and veterans.

In response to the tragic death of Bryant, his daughter and friends, the Mamba Sports Academy Foundation has amended its charter to take on a national scope in service to those with limited access to the power of sport in human and character development, social connectedness and overcoming trauma. An outpouring of charitable donations is enabling the Mamba Sports Academy Foundation to take its impactful Southern California-based programming to a national cohort.