MONROE, La. --- While school may be out of session and the upcoming season remains multiple months away, ULM men's basketball head coach Orlando Early has found a way to maintain a busy summer schedule with recent recruiting trips to national tournaments in Las Vegas, Nev., and Orlando, Fla.

The leader of the Warhawks most recent destination will take on another form, however. Over the weekend Early boarded a plane and left the country with four other NCAA coaches as part of a 2009 College Basketball Tour.

Destination: Southeast Asia.

Over a 10-day stretch in mid August, Early and his travel party will tour U.S. military bases, visit troops, conduct clinics, and spread goodwill for American soldiers serving their country.

Joining Early are Pittsburgh women's head coach Agnus Berento, Murray State men's head coach Billy Kennedy, Virginia Military Institute head coach Duggar Baucom, and Jacksonville State assistant coach Mike Smith.

"I'm very excited about it," Early said. "It's a once in a lifetime deal. Those guys over there are fighting for our country. If I can do anything to help, I would like to lend a helping hand - try to lift some spirits."

Sponsoring and coordinating the tour is Koeberle and Associates, a Pittsburgh-based sports marketing agency. The organization has sent a variety of different groups overseas ranging from a Major League Baseball Legends tour to a Survivor and American Idol tour to show troops support

Recent tours have included college football coaches, the New England Patriots cheerleaders, and coaches of the National Football League.