The Story of SPC Hope Linder
2017 Vigiano Family Hope & Courage Award Recipient
United States Army veteran Hope Linder was awarded The Vigiano Family Hope and Courage award for her journey as a veteran and the impact she continues to have on her community at the eighth annual Hope For The Warriors’ Got Heart Give Hope Gala.
“I am extremely humbled,” said Linder. “Everything that I do every day is just part of my life—it’s what I do. So to be honored for it and to receive the Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award is a surprise, but it’s a great surprise, of course. I feel so blessed to be able to be here and be a part of the evening.”
Linder joined the Army on August 3, 1983. After attending Advanced Individual Training (AIT) quartermaster school, Linder’s first duty station was Mannheim, Germany, where she earned many awards in the American/German Gun Club. Afterwards, Hope headed to Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz., and made Specialist-E4 after only being enlisted for two years. Some of her other duty tours included Hawaii, Iraq and Fort Hood, Texas.
Despite the fact that Linder experienced military sexual trauma on more than one occasion, she’s a survivor and still ranks joining the military as the best decision she’s ever made. Through the many adversities that she’s faced in life, she has learned about strength and forgiveness. Today, she continues to live her life while trying to pay it forward and help others, including working with Hope For The Warriors as a volunteer.