NIU's Student Association is looking for names of alumni and students serving in the Gulf for what they call Operation Huskie Salute.

"It is hard for us to remember that we have friends and family fighting a war as we go about our day-to-day business of attending classes," said SA Public Relations Adviser Lara Cipolla.

The SA plans to put the three empty flagpoles that stand near the southwest corner of the Holmes Student Center into action, Cipolla said.

"We plan to recognize those men and women from the NIU community at an official ceremony later this semester," said Sen. Bob Geaschel.

"We are going to dedicate an American flag to NIU students and alumni fighting in the war," Geaschel said.

Two of the three flagpoles are not operational right now, but might be after spring break, Geaschel said.

If so, then three flags might fly: "One representing our university, one representing our state and one representing our nation," Cipolla said.

SA Sen. Young Kim is getting information about troops from NIU.

im said he plans to kick off a university-wide letter-writing campaign and other activities to support local troops.

Already on the list is former SA Sen. Daryl Jones. Jones left NIU in August when he was called to active duty as part of Operation Desert Shield. He is still overseas.

Students and faculty who know of anyone to add to the list should contact the SA office this week.

"We are only looking for a name, the soldier's branch in the service and major at the university," Kim said. For alumni, the graduation year is helpful, Kim said.

Students who do volunteer work might be able to see their efforts recognized.

Each year, the General Motors Volunteer Spirit Award is presented to three currently enrolled NIU students who have distinguished themselves by their unselfish service to others on campus and in the community.

From the applications, winners will be selected by an independent committee of university administrators, faculty members, staff and student representatives.

Students can be nominated by a group organization or individual. Applications will be accepted until March 1.

Ann Hahn, senior account coordinator for General Motors Spirit Award based in Los Angeles, said NIU is one of 35 schools that participate in this event. General Motors sponsors the event for schools that exhibit exceptional volunteer services.

NIU joined the program when it first began in 1989.

"General Motors rewards students whose efforts would most likely go unnoticed without any thanks from anyone," Hahn said.

Winners will receive a plaque signed by Roger Smith, chairman of the Board of General Motors, and NIU President John La Tourette.

In addition, winners will receive five shares of General Motors Corporation common stock at a reception Tuesday, April 4 in the Holmes Student Center's Skyroom.

Fabian De Rozario, NIU's coordinator of fitness programs and club sports, said, "What is really neat is the fact that we have a major corporation that realizes how important volunteer effort is in our community."

De Rozario said that anyone who is active in volunteer efforts should apply for the award.

The Volunteer Spirit Award is part of the General Motors College Program in cooperation with the Office of Campus Recreation, which gave out two $500 tuition awards during the GM Auto Expo in the fall.

GM also supports the intramural recreation sports program.

Applications can be picked up at the Office of Campus Recreation, the Student Association office and the University Programming and Activities Office, on the sixth floor of the student center.

De Rozario said it is best to provide a resume noting volunteer activities. For more information, call De Rozario at 753-9421.

A local bar is ready to party for the troops this weekend.

Amnesia will sell patriotic T-shirts and sweatshirts. A percentage of the sale will be donated to the Veterans Association of Voluntary Services.

Amnesia also will give away yellow ribbons and bumper stickers. Owner, Mike Carpenter, also thought it would be a fun idea to make dance music tapes and send it to the troops.

"We want to make tapes of hot music with the crowd cheering in the background," he said.

Carpenter has a friend in the Gulf and said he has to ride the bus and stand in long lines waiting to make phone calls. "I know the guys over there don't have many luxuries, but some have walkmans and can listen to our tapes," Carpenter said.

Classic Hi-Fi will donate the tapes and Amnesia will send them to NIU troops in the Gulf.

On Saturday, Amnesia is having a complimentary party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the relatives of men and women serving in the Gulf.

Drinks for the party will be provided by Amnesia and Marchelloni is providing pizza.

"What is happening is very traumatic for people and they are scared. We want them to get together and talk so they know they are not alone in how they are feeling," Carpenter said.

Copy Service will donate to the cause also, Carpenter said.

Rounding out the weekend is Under 21 night on Sunday. Only people under 21 years old can go. Profits will go to the Kirkland Memorial, a 75-foot granite wall listing servicemen.