Hope For The Warriors hosted its annual awards event, which honors three members of the armed forces and their families with the Vigiano Family Hope & Courage Award.
The event, held in North Carolina, also honored individuals, corporations, and, organizations that have stood behind Hope For The Warriors in helping serve military families.
Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family, and hope for post-9/11 veterans, service members, and military families.
The event was hosted by World Series champion Doug Flynn and TV host John Daly and paid tribute to the Vigiano family, who lost both of their sons in the Sept. 11 attacks.
The Hope & Courage Awards are presented to service members and military family members who have demonstrated both hope and courage in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
“Coming together each year to present these awards is a truly memorable event that we all at HOPE look forward to,” said Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors co-founder and CEO. “Honoring the individuals, families, and corporations that have given so much through service reminds us all why we continue to serve military families in the capacity that we do.”
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The Vigiano Family Hope & Courage Award honorees included:
·Amanda Jacobs Ballardwas, who was recognized for volunteering for Hope For The Warriors and recently serving as a Gold Star Tribute Ambassador for Honor Brewing, allowing her to share her son, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Phoenix-Jacob Levy’s, story, and her grief.
·Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Kevin Bittenbender was recognized for his service and as a multi-sport athlete who continues to showcase his honor, courage, and commitment to our nation, his peers, and leadership.
·Military caregiver Elizabeth Wilkins, who was recognized for her journey as a military spouse and caregiver and her hours of volunteerism to veteran service organizations in Texas and with Hope For The Warriors.
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This year’s Partners in Mission recipients included:
· Vietnam veteran and Gold Star father John Phelps received the Harry Bridgwood Lifetime Service Award, which is presented to a Vietnam-era veteran who has committed his or her life to serving the next generations of the warrior community.
· Stirling Colins received the Gary Sinise Community Service Award, which is presented to an individual who puts his or her patriotism in action to serve military families and raise awareness of the needs of the military community.
· Hy-Vee received the Chairman’s Award for Corporate Citizenship which is presented to a group which not only highlights the benefits of veterans in the workplace but leads by example in enriching the lives of military families, both active-duty and retired.
For more information on Hope For The Warriors, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
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