Alexandria Resident Retired U.S. Army Colonel David Sutherland Honored With Vigiano Family Hope And Courage Award

SPRINGFIELD, Va. – Thursday night, Alexandria resident retired U.S. Army Colonel David Sutherland was named a recipient of the Vigiano Family Hope and Courage award at the 10^th annual Hope For The Warriors Got Heart Give Hope Gala in Washington, DC.

Sutherland was one of three Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award winners, presented by award-winning actor/humanitarian Gary Sinise and retired U.S. Marine Col. Barney Barnum Jr., he was recognized for his service and continued passion in advocating for service members, veterans, their families, and the families of the fallen.

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.

“I’m proud to accept this award as a means of highlighting my team, showcasing the achievements of everyone around me and highlighting John Vigiano Sr.’s legacy,” said Sutherland. “John’s legacy is everlasting. Like all generations of people who serve, there are those who leave an everlasting impression. His is a limited edition amongst them. His family’s sacrifice is a living legacy to those who come behind him.”

Colonel David Sutherland is the chairman of the Center for Military and Veterans Community Services (Dixon Center) and actively contributes to numerous national veteran and military family committees and boards. Speaking at universities, businesses and conferences around the country, Sutherland is a vocal advocate for our service members, military veterans, their families, and the families of the fallen.

Sutherland culminated his 29 years of service following Brigade Command, as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with principle focus on Warrior and Family Support. By visiting hundreds of communities and assisting thousands of organizations, he created a nationwide network of support using grassroots solutions for veterans and their families.

His awards and decorations include, among others, the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge Second Award and Senior Parachutist Badge. He is also the 2008 Freedom Award recipient presented by the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation, the 2011 Meritorious Service Award recipient presented by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and the 2013 Commitment to Service award presented by Give An Hour for his work on behalf of returning service members, veterans, military families and families of the fallen.

“We couldn’t think of a more fitting person to carry on John Vigiano’s legacy as Colonel Sutherland,” said Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors co-founder and CEO. “The Colonel’s greatest passion in life is to support those who serve this country. From leading thousands of service members through Iraq, to continuing to advocate for them through the Dixon Center, his calling and commitment has touched a countless number of service members, veterans, military families and families of the fallen, and for that we are forever grateful.”

 

For more information on Hope For The Warriors and its 10^th Annual Got Heart Give Hope Gala, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.

 

About Hope For The Warriors: 

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. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 23,200 through a variety of support programs focused on clinical health and wellness, sports and recreation and transition. One of the nonprofit’s first programs, Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships, has awarded over 135 scholarships to caregivers and families of the fallen. In addition, Run For The Warriors has captured the hearts of over 25,500 since 2010. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

About Got Heart Give Hope Gala:

Since 2010, the Hope and Courage Awards have been presented to service members and military family members who have demonstrated both hope and courage in the face of extraordinary circumstances. Named in honor of the Vigiano family, Captain John Vigiano, Sr., retired FDNY, and his wife, Jan, gave both of their sons on 9/11—one served as a fire fighter and the other served as a police officer in New York City. The Vigiano family has continued to serve by supporting service members and military families. In celebration of the event’s 10th year, six new awards were introduced highlighting individuals, corporations and organizations who have stood beside the organization in serving military families.

 

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