San Diego resident U.S. Marine Gunny Sgt. Amanda Eason honored with Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award

Eason’s Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award video: https://youtu.be/NNgpeGxB_Hs

SPRINGFIELD, Va. (October 18, 2024) – San Diego resident U.S. Marine Gunny Sgt. Amanda Eason was recently named a recipient of the Vigiano Family Hope and Courage award at the Got Heart Give Hope Awards Ceremony.

Eason 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 service members.

“Gunny Sgt. Eason goes above and beyond to encourage her brothers and sisters in arms on Team HOPE to become the best versions of themselves,” said Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors founder and CEO. “Despite service-related medical setbacks, she is continuously setting new goals and challenges for herself and inspiring her fellow Team HOPE members and our staff. We’re excited to continue to cheer for her for years to come!”

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.

“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful and humbling. It serves as a reminder that the challenges we face are shared, and every step taken toward a better future is worth celebrating. Receiving this honor inspires me to continue advocating for those in need and reinforcing Hope For The Warriors, knowing that our efforts are making a difference in the lives of other service members.”

Eason enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2008 and graduated from boot camp at Parris Island in January 2009. She served as a Motor Transport Operator with Combat Logistics Battalions 2 and 6, deploying to Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2010 where she earned a Combat Action Ribbon and a Purple Heart. Eason’s awards include the Purple Heart, three Navy Commendation Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and five Good Conduct Medals.

Her relationship with Hope For The Warriors began in 2011, when she sought refuge in the therapeutic benefits of running. Through her 16 years of service, she has suffered permanent vision loss, a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and nerve damage down the right side of her face. Team HOPE became a vital part of Eason’s healing journey, providing a supportive community that allows her to take on the challenges of endurance running.

For Amanda, running is more than a physical activity; it provides escape, therapy, and freedom.

She said, “Running is my escape, therapy, and freedom all in one. I challenge myself to go further, faster, and stronger with every stride.”

Eason and her husband, Geoffrey, reside in San Diego, California with their daughter, Elizabeth.

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