RENO, Nev. - While Nevada women's basketball's game against Air Force is an important Mountain West regular season contest, there is more meaning than playing against our country's cadets. 

The program's annual Salute to Service game provides the program a special opportunity to show appreciation for the Pack's family and all military members who have served the United States of America. 

Nevada women's basketball players, coaches and support staff have several family connections to the armed forces that have served, sacrificed and protected our nation's freedom. 

Elle Motherway (Freshman Guard) - Grandpa, Lt. Col. James Kehrle (Air Force)
Serving in the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard, the incredible work ethic of Elle Motherway's grandpa, James Kehrle, allowed him to have a long career serving his country. Kehrle, who completed assignments while stationed in England and France, moved up to a lieutenant colonel and served 33 years in the military as a pilot and flight instructor.  

When thinking about the Salute to Service game, Motherway has a tremendous respect for the people who have served our country. Seeing the impact her grandpa had on his country, she thinks about the lifelong commitment that it takes to serve for any period of time.

"I learned from my Grandpa that consistent commitment and dedication towards your craft will allow you to have a career you can look back on and be proud of," Motherway said. "Every time I saw my Grandpa he would show us a new picture or tell us a new story of his time serving the country." 

Laura Gonsalves (Assistant Coach) - Father, Ron Gonsalves (Air Force)
Entering her seventh season at Nevada, assistant coach Laura Gonsalves' thoughts of Salute to Service go to her father, Ron. Gonsalves' father was a veteran of the Air Force from 1965-69. 

Through the Air Force, Ron was able to meet his future wife and give a happy life to his children. During her time as a player, both at the collegiate and professional levels, and now coach, Gonsalves is continually thankful for the path that her father was able to lead. 

"I'm proud of my father's service in the Air Force," Gonsalves said. "It also created opportunities for him to begin establishing his life. He was able to use his service to move into a career, and provide a great life for our family." 

Lavaris Duncan (Director of Player Development) - Sister-In-Law Alexus Kelly-Duncan (Navy) 
Director of Player Development Lavaris Duncan's Sister-In-Law, Alexus Kelly-Duncan, served eight years in the Navy as a Petty Officer second class. Alexus also spent time as an equipment operator and a part of the Seabee Battalion, providing a wide range of construction in support of operating forces. 

With 2024 being Duncan's first Salute to Service game, the sacrifice and honor that his sister-in-law provided to the United States Navy is the first thing that comes to mind. 

"When I think about Salute to Service, I think about the fact that we should not take what we have for granted," Duncan said. "Witnessing my sister-in-law's experience in the Navy, I've learned so much about bravery and hard work." 

Olivia Reins (Assistant Recruiting Coordinator) - Cousin, Ryan Rowe (Army), Cousin, Chrystal Rowe (Air Force), Uncle, Dave Blanchar (Air Force), Cousin Phillip Blanchar (Marines), Cousin, Connor Blanchar (Marines), Cousin, Uriah Vigil (National Guard), Father, Bruce Reins (Air Force), Grandpa, Hod (Air Force)
Assistant Recruiting Coordinator Olivia Reins has eight members of her family who are military veterans, with five serving in the Air Force including her father, Bruce. Reins has five cousins, her father, grandfather, and uncle serving in the military. The Reins family has four military branches represented (Air Force, Army, Marines and National Guard). 

With so many members serving the United States all over the world, Reins has learned alternative ways to stay in touch with her family. When she is able to see them in person, however, it makes those moments even more special. 

"Having so many members of my family having served in the military makes me very appreciative of being able to spend time with them when they are home," Reins said. "When they are serving, you have to find other ways to connect with them. I am grateful not only that they have given so much of their time to protect our nation's freedom, but also that I have so many people in my family to look up to." 

Larry Burnett (Play-By-Play Announcer) - Father, Cpl. Raymond C. Burnett (Army)
Radio play-by-play announcer Larry Burnett's thoughts on Salute to Service go towards his father, Raymond C. Burnett. Working his way up to the corporal rank, Raymond was a veteran of World War II for the United States Army. During his time, Raymond drove supplies to front lines in Europe. 

The values that Raymond picked up from his time in the Army have been passed down to Burnett, which the announcer has passed onto his children and his grandchildren. Those values have not only helped him become a great family man, but also helped him to an Emmy award-winning broadcast career. 

"I am very proud that my dad served his country," Burnett said. "From my dad, I learned that hard work and teamwork are great foundations for success."

Megan Walaitis (Fan Engagement Director) - Grandpa, Col. Don Knutson (Air Force) and Uncle, Lt. Col. John Knutson (Marines) 
Nevada women's basketball fan engagement director Megan Walaitis has two family members with military background: her grandfather Don Knutson (Air Force) and her uncle John Knutson (Marines). Don served 26 years in the Air Force, including time in Vietnam. John was 27-year veteran of the marines who was a part of multiple combat missions in the Middle East. 

Growing up with unmatched love from her grandpa, Walaitis has used him as a role model to love others. Her uncle's worth ethic and striving for above and beyond results is something she carries in her life today. The lessons that her grandpa and uncle learned in the military have helped Walaitis' entire family incorporate those teachings into their own lives. 

"Having both my grandpa and uncle serve in the US military is very special and makes me so proud of both of them for fighting for our country," Walaitis said. "It is an honor that each of them served over 20 years and multiple tours of duty in combat theaters. They made so many sacrifices for themselves, family and our country."

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Season tickets are now on sale. Season tickets for Nevada women's basketball start at just $65. Season tickets for youth (8th grade and under) start at just $25 while the Family Four Pack (two adults, two youth) are $37.50 per person. Students receive free admission with their Wolf Card. Season Tickets can be purchased by calling the ticket office at 775-348-PACK. 

Click here to purchase mini plans (any five games starting at just $25) and single game tickets (starting at $5 for youth and $7 for adults).

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