Got Heart, Give Hope Gala 2011

On April 14, 2011, Hope For The Warriors® honored wounded service members, their families and families of the fallen at the Got Heart, Give Hope Gala at Union Station in Washington, D.C. The black-tie event featured television and movie actor Gary Sinise as the awards ceremony host. Hope & Courage Awards were presented to representatives from each branch of the military, family members of wounded and fallen, and two suicide survivors. More than 300 were in attendance, including distinguished military, political and corporate leaders.

Hope For The Warriors® honored the courage of each award recipient, focusing on the hope they inspire through their remarkable stories of recovery and achievement. Service Members honored were: Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Austin, USMC; Staff Sgt. Dale I. Beatty, NCARNG (Ret.); Staff Sgt. Nicholas Bradley, USAF (Ret.); Spc. Hugo L. Gonzalez, USA (Ret.); Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Ruggiero, USCG; and Senior Chief Petty Officer Anthony Shattuck, USN.

Hope is an intangible concept that has no boundaries, Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors® President said. Our honorees are not defined by their injuries or losses but rather by their spirit.

The evening's ceremony began with inspiring words from Lt. Jason Redman, USN (Seal), 2010 Hope & Courage Award recipient, and emcee. Redman was wounded in September 2007 and throughout his rehabilitation, used his positive attitude to motivate others and raise awareness of the sacrifices of military members and their families. He remains on active duty but has also created Wounded Wear, a nonprofit organization designed to provide clothing kits and modifications to wounded warriors. Redman is a dynamic speaker who has motivated corporate groups as well as professional and Olympic teams.

Tonight we recognize those who have built a strong and positive future for their families and those around them, Redman said. Like lighthouses guiding those around them, a brilliant light that burns through the darkest night, fueled by honor and courage.

Kenneth Fisher, chairman and CEO of the Board of Trustees for the Fisher House Foundation, was the evening's guest speaker. The Fisher House Foundation builds and donates homes on or near major medical and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one during their hospitalization after unexpected illness, disease or injury.

John Vigiano joined Sinise on stage to present the awards. Vigiano is a former Marine and retired FDNY captain. His sons Joseph, an NYPD detective, and John, a FDNY fireman both died on 9/11. Twin Towers, a short documentary, was about Joseph and his life in the NYPD. The documentary was dedicated to the two brothers and won an Academy Award in 2003.

This is the second year that Sinise hosted the black-tie event and presented each honoree with their Hope & Courage Award. Sinise is the star of TV's hit show CSI: NY and has also starred in numerous feature films, including Forrest Gump and Apollo 13. Sinise also tours with the USO to support U.S. troops with his band, the Lt. Dan Band. The guest speaker, Fisher, leads the Fisher House Foundation, providing free or low cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.

The Presenting Sponsor of the Got Heart, Give Hope Gala was an anonymous donor who represents the American commitment to our nation's wounded heroes and their families. The Cocktail Reception Sponsor was Independent Gas & Oil Explorers. Gold Sponsors were Clark Construction Group, LLC, Fisher Brothers, Gary Sinise Foundation, HBO, King & Spalding, L-3 Communications, Nat'l Security Associates WorldWide, Plaza Construction, Raycom Media, Siemens and VT Group.