The Story of SPC Gabby Mack
2017 Vigiano Family Hope & Courage Award Recipients
United States Army veteran LaShun “Gabby” Mack received The Vigiano Family Hope and Courage award at the Got Heart Give Hope Gala for her journey and the positive impact she continues to have on her community.
“I really am so grateful and happy to be here,” said Mack. “I can’t thank Hope For The Warriors enough for doing this—it means so much to me. Receiving the Vigiano Family Hope and Courage award helps build my confidence, and helps me to continue to never give up and always do my best, no matter the obstacles. I’ve had a great support system over the years in the community of Griffin/Spalding, WayPoint for Veterans, and now Hope For The Warriors—I really can’t thank everyone enough for supporting me and helping me get here.”
While still in high school, Mack joined the Army in May 2000 to broaden her horizons and create new life experiences. Serving with the 1206th Quartermaster out of Wetumpka, Ala., Mack was set to deploy to Balad, Iraq in 2003. However, two weeks before her unit deployed, she sustained a knee injury, which ultimately led to her medical discharge in March 2005. While going through her recovery, Mack experienced a traumatic event, which stirred up some symptoms of PTSD and led her to a depressed slump. At one point, she found herself living in her car, but fortunately, that’s also when she found Hope For The Warriors. Benefitting from the organization’s financial assistance programs, Mack was able to get back on her feet while receiving medical treatment hundreds of miles away from her home. Through the many obstacles she has overcome in her life, Mack has continued to radiate a positive attitude through any negative situations she faces. Today, she continues to give back to her community as a volunteer with a nonprofit agency that supports those struggling with homelessness.