Sentinels of Freedom Gala Not to Miss

Sentinels of Freedom to Host Four-Star General and Medal of Honor Recipient at Annual Gala

The local non-profit that serves wounded and injured veterans through multi-faceted scholarships has announced the guests of honor at their upcoming annual gala. The April 9^th event will feature four-star General Joseph Votel, US Army, and Medal of Honor recipient, Mast Sergeant Leroy Petry, US Army (Ret.)

Votel currently serves as the 10th commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command. Prior to his current command, he served as the commander of Joint Special Operations Command.

Petry was awarded the Medal of Honor, this nation’s highest award for valor, in 2011 for his valiant service in May of 2008. Petry and his unit were on a mission in Afghanistan on a daylight raid when he was shot, the bullet going through both his legs. Soon after, a Taliban fighter threw a grenade that landed just a few feet from Petry’s comrades. He picked up the grenade and attempted to throw it back, but it exploded before leaving his hand, resulting in the loss of his right hand, and severe injuries from shrapnel to his torso. Directing the medic to treat another wounded soldier, Petry placed a tourniquet on his own right arm.

Sentinels of Freedom’s Annual Sentinels Gala is a way for the organization to gather supporters as well as celebrate and honor scholarship recipients. Last year’s gala was hosted at The Bridges Golf Course, which featured a military chopper flying in two Sentinels of Freedom scholarship recipients before a Marine color guard and local veterans organizations. Major General Lawrence Nicholson, USMC was the featured guest speaker who told personal stories from his time in service to the 300 guests.

This year’s gala will be at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum, on April 9^th, 2016. For more information about the event please visit http://www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2016-annual-sentinels-gala/.

  General Joseph Votel, Mast Sergeant Leroy Petry, Sentinels of Freedom, US Army