Award Honorees
2013 2012 2011 2010
2013 Recipients
Military Honorees
COL Gregory D. Gadson, USA
Gregory has served in the Army for more than 24 years, inspiring both military and civilian alike. An IED attack in May 2007 caused severe wounds including the amputation of both legs above the knees and damage to his right arm. Regardless of his injuries, he has never stopped serving and caring for the soldiers in his commands. Today, he is the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir and oversees more than 50,000 military personnel and civilian employees. Prior to this command, he managed the AW2, a program that supports and advocates for nearly 11,000 severely wounded, ill and injured soldiers.
COL Heather Meeds, SCARNG
Heather deployed twice to Iraq; from 2003-2004 and then again 2010-2011 and returned with both physical pains and psychological wounds. In spite of her personal struggles, concern for her fellow soldiers was her priority and she always put their needs before her own. After time in an inpatient treatment facility for PTSD, Heather has used her own personal experience to reach others. By sharing her story publicly, many have come forward, asking for help and direction. Heather will continue to reach out to her fellow service members, knowing that many more are still struggling in silence.
LtCol David Barnes, USMC (Ret.)
David first deployed to Iraq in 2003 and was hit by an IED. He was awarded a Purple Heart. He spent much of 2004 recovering from his injuries and returned to Iraq in 2005. He was awarded a Bronze Star during his second deployment. David deployed a third time to Pakistan in 2009. Injuries from these deployments include a severe concussion, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, and severe back and shoulder injuries. After returning from his final deployment, David volunteered for another key command – Officer in Charge at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. There, he implemented programs to help the recovery of wounded Marines. He worked tirelessly for two years and, after he was confident that his programs were fully established, he finally underwent the reconstructive back surgery that he required.
LT D. Matthew Bartles, USNR
After a deployment to Afghanistan, Matthew entered the Military Wellness Program at Holliswood Hospital to tackle his PTSD. After completing the program, Matthew transitioned into a civilian career in financial services. He has reconnected with his family and community and has since married. He is an advocate for veterans’ issues and started a Military Mentorship Program at his company, using his own experiences to help other service members reintegrate into society.
Michael Roesch, Former Air Force
After four years in the Air Force, Michael returned to Long Island, struggling with PTSD. His formula for recovery includes his service dog Rex and giving back to other veterans and veterans’ causes. Michael is an active supporter of Hope For The Warriors® through volunteering and fundraising efforts at the Memorial 100 and many other athletic events. He is also an active member of the American Legion and the Patriot Guard.
Family
Samantha Bradley, Gold Star Family
Samantha and her husband Mark were married for a little more than two years when he was wounded in Afganistan in June 2011. He soon after passed. During those initial days of mourning, Samantha formed close bonds with several Hope For The Warriors® staff members as she coped with her new life. Today, she supports military spouses by speaking to groups about the needs of the military community along with challenges faced by today’s service members. She is also creating an organization at her college to support student veterans struggling with PTSD.
Kathleen Kelly, Gold Star Family
Kathleen Kelly grew up witnessing the meaning of service and sacrifice – both of her grandfathers served during WWII and both of her brothers joined the Marine Corps after college. Her volunteer work supporting wounded service members began in 2003 when she was still in high school and expanded throughout the years of war. In 2010, she was more personally impacted when her brother was killed in Afghanistan. Kathleen now leads an athletic team that races in honor of her fallen brother and raises funds for a scholarship in his name.
Mary Nicholson, Courageous Caregiver
Mary Nicholson is the dedicated mother of Sgt Michael Nicholson, USMC, a triple-amputee injured in Afghanistan on July 6, 2011. In 2012, the family was given a new challenge when Mary’s husband was diagnosed with cancer. Despite their challenges, Mary led the entire family with a positive and strong vision. Mary continues to focus on the needs of each family member: Michael’s recovery, her husband’s treatments, and her older son Andrew, while volunteering with the Hope For The Warriors® scholarship committee.
Pam Voltin, Courageous Caregiver
Ryan Voltin, Pam’s husband, was severely wounded when his helicopter exploded into flames during a training exercise. As Ryan underwent multiple surgeries for his burns and leg amputation, Pam refused to let his injuries interrupt their life. She moved forward as planned, growing the family with two children while Ryan was in the medical center. Their fifth child is a beautiful girl they aptly named Hope. Pam pushed aside her personal fears of Ryan flying again and turned to Hope For The Warriors® with a Wish. She asked for help to pay for Ryan’s flight school, to put him back into the air—his true calling. Hope For The Warriors® proudly granted her Wish.
Service Provider
Charlie Wagner, Dedicated Volunteer
Charlie is a retired New York firefighter–but he has not retired from serving others. Since 9/11, he has been a Fire Department Counseling Unit volunteer. Now, Charlie volunteers for Hope For The Warriors®, attending luncheons each week at Holliswood Hospital for the Family Reintegration Program. He is also quick to help service members and military families with their various needs. Holiday barbeques, fishing trips, extra outings and more—there is no limit to what he will do for our families. Recently, he instituted an additional support group at the hospital, bringing service members together and inviting first responders and veterans as guest speakers.
2012 Recipients
Military Honorees
CPO Holly Crabtree, USN
Crabtree's deployment as a corpsman ended abruptly when she took a gunshot wound to the head by a sniper. Although not expected to heal well, her recovery has exceeded all expectations and she continues to work hard each day to regain her independence. This hard work has also been recognized by her command and she was promoted to her present rank post-injury. Crabtree, a single mother, continues to balance her rehabilitative needs with the needs of a young daughter. Beyond work and home, Crabtree has discovered a love of sailing and utilizes the sport as part of her recovery.
Lt Col Eric Holt, USAF
Holt is an anesthesiologist who has used his medical expertise in the treatment of countless wounded service members-himself included. In January 2009, his armored Humvee drove over an IED, throwing him nearly 30 meters and hitting a concrete wall. He spent more than one year in rehabilitation. His experience gave him invaluable insight into the military medical system and he continues his hard work to help other injured service members. This summer, he will begin a fellowship in Pain Management to continue his work.
SSG John Masters, USAR
Masters was completing his sixth combat deployment when his right hand was severely wounded by an explosion, requiring extensive reconstructive surgery. While undergoing rehabilitation, Masters channeled his energy into Team Hope For The Warriors®. Since joining the Team, he has competed many challenging races including marathons, triathlons and relays. More importantly, he acts as a leader and a mentor to other service members and Team members and has become an outstanding representative for the athletic needs of our wounded community.
CPT Lewis Larkin O'Hern III, USA
On December 31, 2010, O'Hern was in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division. An IED explosion caused severe wounds including the amputation of both legs and his right hand. In spite of these wounds, O'Hern approaches his life and his long road to recovery with boundless strength, courage, and hope. The son of a soldier, O'Hern had always intended to make the Army his career. Now, he stands proud and ready to take on a new goal and is applying for the Army Congressional Fellowship Program.
Cpl Manuel (Manny) Ocia Jimenez, USMC
On August 1, Jimenez was hit by a 40-pound IED while on foot patrol. His injuries are severe, including the loss of his left arm above the elbow, traumatic brain injury and the loss of hearing in his left ear. Since his injury, Manny has become an avid runner and, as with everything he does, a fierce competitor. He began running only months after his injuries, quickly increasing his distances. He soon joined Team Hope For The Warriors® and through the Team has competed in marathons, half marathons and triathlons. When he is medically retired, he plans to return to Connecticutto be near his family and pursue his college degree in physical education.
Family of Wounded or Fallen Heroes
Noemy Hall, Courageous Caregiver
Oftentimes, hidden wounds are the most difficult to accept and this was no different for the Hall family. As her husband suffered from TBI and PTSD, Noemy did her best to keep his injury private and hidden. In time however, that proved too difficult, so now, she takes on a new role. Noemy stands proud as the wife and caregiver of a wounded soldier who has sacrificed so much for our nation. Those roles, along with mother and homeschool teacher, depend on her endless love for her family and her overwhelming strength.
Shannon Hayes, Gold Star Family
MSgt John Hayes, USMC, was killed in action three years ago in Afghanistan. Together since high school, his widow Shannon was left to continue the work of two parents alone. Their three children, ranging in age from toddler to teenager, turned to their mother to carry on the strength, character, and presence of their father. Shannon has done just that. She continues to raise her children as she and her husband planned, giving each a future with hope and courage.
Bob Smith, Parental Caregiver-Awarded Posthumously
LCpl Colin Smith, USMC, was deployed to Iraq in 2006 where he was severely wounded in combat. Suffering from traumatic brain injury, his father, Bob, was told that Colin would never walk or speak again. Refusing to listen, Bob's determination and dedication gave Colin the support needed to aid in his rehabilitation. In planning Colin's future, Bob, with the help of Hope For The Warriors®, purchased a home in his son's name so that Colin would always have a place to live, mortgage-free, and surrounded by family and the people who love him. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2011, but Colin remains in his home, just as Bob planned.
Special Recognition
SGT Christopher Duke and dog, Rufus
Rufus was a stray dog in Afghanistan, adopted by Duke's National Guard Battalion. But this dog provided more than company-one night, he and other dogs saved the lives of the unit from a suicide bomber. A year later, Hope For The Warriors® supported A Warrior's Wish® to reunite Rufus and another hero dog, Target, with their owners. Today, Rufus has been trained to be a service dog and is ready to continue serving with Duke.
2011 Recipients
Military Honorees
GySgt Matthew Austin, USMC
After his injuries forced an early return from Afghanistan, Austin identified gaps in support needed by wounded service members. Taking his focus away from his own wounds, Austin worked tirelessly to ensure that each returning service member in his unit received the medical and emotional care needed.
SSG Dale I. Beatty, NCARNG (Ret.)
Beatty is the co-founder of Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit organization that helps wounded veterans with necessary home modifications. As a double amputee, Beatty is an active advocate for wounded service members from all wars and conflicts. He is also a trustee on the Fisher House Board of Directors.
SSgt Nicholas Bradley, USAF (Ret.)
Bradley defied his doctors' predictions and walked out of the hospital, despite multiple wounds, in two months instead of one year. As a full-time civilian worker on the military base, full-time student and father, Bradley demonstrates hope and courage in every way.
SPC Hugo L. Gonzalez, USA (Ret.)
Legally blind and working through issues of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic epilepsy, Gonzalez demonstrates everyday his thankfulness for all that he have been given. In each conversation, he expresses gratitude for his life, his service and for the love and support of his family.
PO1 Joseph Ruggiero, USCG
Ruggiero made history when a vessel filled with explosives detonated near his boat, making him the first Purple Heart recipient in the Coast Guard since the Vietnam War. His actions to save his shipmates following the attack earned him the Bronze Star with Valor. Although Ruggiero faces ongoing medical operations, he continues to volunteer for deployments and serve with honor and courage.
SCPO Anthony Shattuck, USN
Shots fired via machine gun damaged Shattuck's internal organs during a difficult battle in Afghanistan. After being put in a medically induced coma, he woke up two weeks later at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. In spite of his wounds and ongoing mild traumatic brain injury, Shattuck has returned to his original unit, ready to deploy and serve again.
Family of Wounded or Fallen Honorees
Reneé Ayres
Since her husband returned wounded from Iraq in 2004, Ayres has become a caregiver, advocate, medical specialist, social worker, and now political activist for her husband and for all wounded service members. She now uses her experience to help other spouses and family members. She also works with congressional representatives to address needed changes in medical care.
Christian Haerter and Michelle Severance
Christian's son, LCpl Jordan Haerter, USMC, was killed in Iraq on April 22, 2008. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and hailed by President Obama, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Secretary of the Navy, and others. In Jordan's honor, Christian and his partner Michelle founded Jordan's Initiative, a nonprofit foundation to support deployed service members, combat veterans and their families.
CDR Laurie Lanca, USNR
As a nurse in the Naval Reserves, Lanca has personally cared for many wounded service members at the National Naval Medical Center. Her brother, also a Navy Reservist, was activated for a year-long deployment. Eight months after his return, he died of suicide. Lanca turned her pain into political action as she addressed the need for better mental health care at all VA hospitals.
Kim Ruocco
A suicide survivor (husband died of suicide) and the mother of two young boys, Ruocco has spent the last four years using her personal tragedy to save other people's lives. She is now the Director of Suicide Outreach and Education for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors).
2010 Recipients
LT Jason “Jay” Redman, USN (SEAL)
With only three weeks left of his deployment in Iraq, Jay was hit three times in the arm and face with a machine gun while on a mission. He arrived at Walter Reed National Naval Medical Center in September 2007 and was known for a sign on his door that read, “If you are coming into my room with sorrow or to feel sorry for my wounds, go elsewhere.” After a long road of recovery, Jay now dedicates himself to a new cause—Wounded Wear, a nonprofit with the mission to raise awareness about the sacrifices of wounded heroes and the skilled medical personnel that support them.
SSgt Meghan Duprey, USAF
As a combat videographer, Meghan always enjoyed being a part of something larger than herself. In the midst of battle, she would often set down her camera to help medics, clear debris, find bodies and transport wounded soldiers On March 23, 2008, a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle-born IED in Mosul, Iraq and Meghan was tasked with documenting relief efforts. After this, she began suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and now struggles daily with memory loss, concentration issues, flashbacks and panic attacks. She represents the courage of those with unseen injuries but continues to look forward.
Cpl Matt Bradford, USMC
In 2007, Matt conducted a foot patrol in Haditha, Iraq when an IED blew up beneath his feet leaving him in a coma with one above- and one below-the-knee amputation. He spent the last two years in the rehabilitation program at the Center For The Intrepid in San Antonio, TX applying his characteristic drive and determination. On April 7, 2010 he made history when he became the first blind, double amputee to reenlist in the Marine Corps. Matt stands ready to take over his new job mentoring injured Marines in his new position with the Wounded Warriors Battalion East, Camp Lejeune, NC.
SPC Brendan Marrocco, USA
In 2009, Brendan survived a blast that left him as the U.S. military’s first surviving quadruple amputee. The quick actions of his buddies, an emergency blood drive, and 60 units of blood saved his life in the field. He was brought to Walter Reed National Naval Medical Center for recovery and astounded everyone by standing six months later at his unit’s homecoming. Brendan continues his treatment at Walter Reed and looks forward to the day when he can pursue his dream of working with cars.
Anne Adkins, Gold Star Mom
With all the sacrifices Anne has made being a mom and the Vice President of Marketing at Raycom Media, the none compared to when her son, CPL Matthew T. Bolar, USA, laid down his life for his country. Matthew’s Army career began on September 11, 2001 and he was on his second tour in Iraq when he was killed by and IED explosion in May 2007. Anne is determined to not let her son and other service members be forgotten and has become involved with Hope For The Warriors® to achieve this goal.
Mary Gallagher, Voice Of The Family
For years, Mary dedicated herself to being a strong Marine Corps wife by supporting her husband’s career, joining several military organizations and raising their children while her husband was deployed. However, after her husband, GySgt James Gallagher, returned from Iraq in 2005 he began falling apart and shockingly took his life in May 2006. Mary now works with Hope For The Warriors® and several other national organizations on the issue of suicide prevention.
Cindy Traub, Courage Of A Caregiver
Cindy was a busy woman with two sons at home when her husband, SSgt Carl Traub, deployed to Iraq in 2005 with the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team. On October 30, 2005 Cindy received a call telling her that Carl had lost both legs, incurred arm injuries, was paralyzed and may not live. More than 50 surgeries and five successful years later, the Traub family exemplifies the commitment of caregivers and the goal of “hope beyond recovery.” Carl is now healthy, medically retired and enrolled in college with his family by his side every step of the way.