CBU and Bud's Tires to Honor 13 Service Members During MBB Game on March 2
2/24/2022 12:24:00 PM | Men's Basketball
RIVERSIDE --- California Baptist University is partnering with Bud's Tires to honor 13 armed service members who were tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2021, including the Gold Star Family of Kareem Nikoui during the men's basketball game on March 2.
Bud's Tires is a proud sponsor of CBU Athletics and hosts the Veteran of the Night each men's basketball game, a tradition where a veteran has been recognized on the floor during a scheduled timeout at every CBU home men's basketball game since 2017. On Wednesday, Bud's Tires will honor the lives of the 13 fallen members, including Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, who was awarded the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice for his country. Kareem's mother, Shana Chappell, will be recognized during an on-court presentation that will include 13 Marines attending the game to represent the fallen soldiers during the ceremony.
"We are beyond thankful and blessed by the service and sacrifice of Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui and his family," said CBU director of athletics Tyler Mariucci. "This is a special opportunity for CBU and the Riverside area community to pay their respects to the 13 fallen members for their bravery and ultimate sacrifice. We appreciate the efforts of all involved to help organize this event, and a special thanks to Bud Luppino and Bud's Tires for their continued commitment in supporting and recognizing our veterans."
Born on Jan. 4, 2001, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui was defined by the love he had for his family, his smile, and his big heart. A natural at everything he attempted in life, he had a true warrior spirit and excelled at boxing, mixed martial arts and jiu-jitsu. Ever since he was a little kid, he wanted to be a Marine, which led him to join Norco High School's JROTC program and enlist right after he graduated from there in 2019. Kareem then completed Marine Corps Boot Camp at the Recruit Depot in San Diego before continuing to Camp Pendleton to attend the School of Infantry and then to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment.
As a member of Ghost Company, he deployed to Jordan in March 2021 before being sent as part of a crisis response force to Kabul, Afghanistan, in August 2021. Passionate about being a Marine, he was identified as an up-and-coming leader within his platoon and was beloved throughout the company for his enthusiasm, compassion for others and infectious humor.
He was killed on August 26, 2021, along with 12 other service members, after a suicide bomber detonated his device while Kareem was attempting to escort families to safety at Kabul International Airport.
CBU men's basketball will host Chicago State in the final regular season home game of the season at the CBU Events Center on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
In collaboration with Bud's Tires, complimentary tickets are being made available to military service members, veterans and guests that can be claimed online by using the promo code SALUTE at cbulancers.com/promo. The CBU Events Center ticket office can be contacted at tickets@calbaptist.edu or 877-456-5262.
