(pictured left to right) FOX News host Emily Compagno, Vigiano Family Hope and Courage award winner U.S. Army veteran Gabi Cha, Hope For The Warriors founder and CEO Robin Kelleher and U.S. Army veteran and former NFL player Alejandro Villanueva
Cha’s Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award video: https://youtu.be/dQvyrgQ6O4U
SPRINGFIELD, Va. (October 18, 2024) – Houston resident and U.S. Army veteran Gabi Cha was recently named a recipient of the Vigiano Family Hope and Courage award at the Got Heart Give Hope Awards Ceremony.
Cha was one of three Vigiano Family Hope and Courage award winners, presented by U.S. Army veteran and former NFL player Alejandro Villanueva and Emily Compagno of FOX News. She was recognized for her service and as a Team Hope For The Warriors athlete who continues to showcase her honor, courage, leadership and commitment to our nation and her fellow veterans.
“I remember meeting Gabi for the first time at the Hope For The Warriors Jacksonville Run For The Warriors,” said Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors founder and CEO. “It was her first HOPE event and her first time meeting all of us. It’s been really exciting watching her compete and grow as an athlete and we’re elated to honor her for her service and continued dedication to her fellow veterans, now as a member of Team HOPE!”
Named in honor of the Vigiano family, who lost both of their sons in the September 11th attacks, the Hope and Courage Awards are presented to service members and military family members who have demonstrated both hope and courage in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
“Winning this award is a special moment for me personally,” said Cha. “It wouldn’t be possible without the donors and sponsor’s unwavering support—YOU make the special moments happen for veterans like me.”
Cha was born in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to the U.S. when she was 9 and grew up in Stockbridge, Georgia. She joined the U.S. Army as a combat medic at 18, serving at Ft. Benning and deploying to Iraq, Egypt, and Kuwait.
During her Iraq deployment Cha was injured by an IED explosion in Baghdad and underwent multiple surgeries. She made a full recovery within two and a half years stateside. In 2019, Cha experienced complications and muscular issues while working as a drill sergeant. She noticed she was having paralysis symptoms in her legs and went to the emergency department where they discovered she still had tiny fragments of shrapnel remaining. Cha endured three more surgeries where complications left her partially paralyzed.
During her recovery, she began adaptive sports, competing in the Warrior Games, Invictus Games, and Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.
“After being medically discharged, the only thing I knew was to represent something bigger than myself,” said Cha. “Because I didn’t have that anymore, I was trying to figure myself out, figure my life out. On top of that, dealing with a medical condition that changed my whole personality and my life. Doing well with adaptive sports, getting that opportunity to represent the USA again. Having USA on my shirt or on my back with other veterans meant so much to me.”
Cha’s relationship with Hope For The Warriors began as she was transitioning out of the military in 2020. She has participated with Team HOPE, competing in endurance events with other veterans and has found support, community, and purpose through HOPE’s peer-to-peer mentorship program. She has worked closely with U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Lee Bonar, who serves as HOPE’s director of military relations. Bonar has supported Cha through every step of her transition journey.
“When I was really hitting a dark time, never having met Lee, being able to talk about personal things, and just having that trust and bond with him definitely made me open up and realize I’m not alone,” Cha said.
Cha now lives in Houston working for a custom wheelchair company to design personalized wheelchairs that enhance independence.
ABOUT HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS:
Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 171,000 service members, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers through 10 programs/services focused on providing financial, career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community. This includes The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors providing confidential, high-quality mental health care services. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin McCloskey – Hope For The Warriors
Hope For The Warriors
erin@etmccloskey.com
(336) 207-5222
