Scott D.’s Post

The 2024 Heroes and Legends Charity Golf Classic with presenting Sponsor QTS Data Centers returns again on Sept 10 in Ashburn VA and is an extraordinary occasion where we bring together Sports Legends and our nation's Military Heroes. Our honorary chairs for this year are Medal of Honor Recipients Matt Williams and Paris Davis and Green Beret Legend Nick Lavery along with Superbowl MVP,2X Superbowl Champion Mark Rypien, who will be joined by other esteemed NFL Alumni such as Mark Moseley NFL MVP & Superbowl Champ, Joe Jacoby 3X Super Bowl Champ, Donnie Warren 3X Super Bowl Champ, Raleigh McKenzie 2X Superbowl Champ, Ken Harvey 4X Pro Bowler Mike Bragg (Last Active NFL Player to Play under Vince Lombardi) Ravin Caldwell 2X Superbowl Champ Rickey Ervins Superbowl Champ to name a few. Come be inspired by CW2 Nick Lavery: In 2013, while deployed to Afghanistan, he and his Detachment fell victim to an insider attack ultimately resulting in the loss of his leg. Following a year of surgeries and initial recovery including the use of a prosthetic at Walter Reed National Medical Military Center, he returned to his unit. Refusing a military medical retirement, Nick set his sights on returning to operational status. In 2015, at the conclusion of a challenging, comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate Nick’s abilities to operate, he returned to his Detachment and was subsequently deployed once again to Afghanistan conducting full spectrum combat operations. Nick is considered the first Special Forces operator to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee. In addition, our event will highlight our partner Jump Team flying in 4 Flags (including yours) in the opening ceremony along with The Army Silent Drill Team Demonstration and Members of the President’s Own Drum and Fife and Bag Pipes will be performing to open the day. Plus, activations that will be as memorable as you can imagine (including a Military Working Dog Mulligan where the trainer in a bite suit will run and wherever the dog takes them down is where you will shoot from on the green). Proceeds will allow us to continue our Military Family Markets across the country to provide food kits, diapers and household goods for Military Families that are experiencing Food Insecurity. IN 2022 40% of active-duty enlisted families were facing food insecurity. There is no reason that those who serve cannot provide food or diapers for their families. Learn more by direct messaging me if you are interested in the few remaining sponsorships.

Rangers Lead the Way: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher A. Celiz distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while engaging with the enemy in Paktia Province, Afghanistan, on July 12, 2018 and was awarded the Medal of Honor. As the leader of a special operations unit comprised of partnered forces and members of the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Celiz led an operation to clear an area of enemy forces and thereby disrupt future attacks against the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Shortly after his team reached their initial objective, a large enemy force attacked. The enemy placed effective fire on him and his team, preventing them from maneuvering to a counterattack. Realizing the danger to his team and the operation, Celiz voluntarily exposed himself to intense enemy machine-gun and small-arms fire. Under fire, he retrieved and employed a heavy weapon system, thereby allowing U.S. and partnered forces to regain the initiative, maneuver to a secure location, and begin treating a critically wounded partnered force member. As the medical evacuation helicopter arrived, it was immediately engaged by accurate and sustained enemy fire. Knowing how critical it was to quickly load the wounded partner, Celiz willingly exposed himself again to heavy enemy fire so he could take charge to direct and lead the evacuation. As the casualty was moved from a position of cover, Celiz made a conscious effort to ensure his body acted as a physical shield to protect his team, the injured partner and the crew of the aircraft from enemy fire. After the wounded partner was loaded, Celiz's team returned to cover, but he remained with the aircraft, returning a high volume of fire and constantly repositioning himself to act as a physical shield to the aircraft and its crew. With his final reposition, Celiz placed himself directly between the cockpit and the enemy, ensuring the aircraft was able to depart. Upon the helicopter’s liftoff, Celiz was hit by enemy fire. Fully aware of his injury, but understanding the peril to the aircraft, Celiz motioned to the pilots to depart rather than remain to load him. His selfless actions saved the life of the evacuated partnered force member and almost certainly prevented further casualties among other members of his team and the aircrew. Celiz died as a result of his injuries. His extraordinary heroism and selflessness beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. Throughout the entire engagement, Celiz significantly changed the course of the battle by repeatedly placing himself in extreme danger to protect his team and defeat the enemy.

12 JULY 1862 – ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR : On 12 July 1862, while the nation was engaged in the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the measure that called for a U.S. Army Medal of Honor, to be awarded in the name of Congress, “to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection.” Lincoln had approved a similar provision that created a U.S. Navy Medal of Valor, which provided the basis of the Army Medal of Honor created by Congress in July 1862. As noted, the Medal of Honor was originally intended to be an award to enlisted members, but in 1863, when the Medal of Honor became a permanent military decoration, it also became available to all members of the Armed Forces, including commissioned officers. The medal is reserved for recognizing those military personnel who have distinguished themselves by "conspicuous gallantry" in actual combat at the risk of life beyond the call of duty. Since its creation in 1862, more than 3,400 men and one woman of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard have received the Medal of Honor for heroic actions. The official name of the award is the Medal of Honor and is awarded by the president in the name of Congress. It is not "The Congressional Medal of Honor." The first U.S. Army recipients of the Medal of Honor were six members of a raiding party who penetrated deep into Confederate territory during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862.

*** Mail Call (Lebanon, OR) **: WWII Army Air Corps veteran Raymond Farrell will turn 103 on July 28. Raymond was a communications engineer stationed in England, France and China-Burma. His family of friends and caretakers are asking anyone to help Raymond receive 103 birthday cards. Raymond Farrell Oregon Veterans Home 600 N 5th St. C214 Lebanon, OR 97355 From US Army WTF! moments

Bourbiz DC Returns on August 14th at MGM National Harbor! Join us for the 7th annual Bourbiz DC, a premier Veteran and Military Spouse Networking and Resource Event. We're excited to be back at the MGM National Harbor, continuing our tradition of connecting and empowering the military community. Register for free link in first comment Event Highlights: Special Guest: We are honored to announce that Green Beret Legend and Medal of Honor Recipient Paris Davis will be joining us for the evening. Exclusive Networking: Our events consistently attract a diverse array of influential guests, including Fortune 500 business leaders, TED Talk speakers, Medal of Honor recipients, professional athletes, military leaders, and TV and social media personalities. Why Attend Bourbiz DC? Unmatched Networking Opportunities: With an average of over 1,800 veterans registered for our recent events, you’ll be in great company. Positive Feedback: Attendees rave about their experiences and always ask, “When is your next event?” Engage and Connect: Come for the networking and resources, stay for the camaraderie. Opportunities Available: Secure exhibitor tables and sponsorships through the ticket link. Power Networking with Top Resources: Our event features up to 75 Veteran & Military Spouse resources on the main floor, covering a variety of essential areas: Career Advancement: Hiring, resume, and interview improvement resources. Transition Assistance: Military transition support. Branding Strategies: Social media and personal branding resources. Business and Legal: Business, GOVCON, and legal resources. Financial Access: Capital access and financial resources. Health and Wellness: Health, fitness, and wellness resources. Mentorship: Mentor and mentee connections. Event Extras: Open Bar: Enjoy a four-hour open bar. Raffles and Giveaways: Participate in our incredible raffles and giveaways. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within the vibrant veteran community. Register now and join us for an unforgettable evening at Bourbiz DC!

Freedom isn’t free! Happy birthday America!!!

I remember all of the fallen and here are the names and faces of all US service members Killed in Action from Jan 20, 2021 to present: The three American soldiers killed in suicide drone strike on a US base in Jordan on Jan 28th 2024 were Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, and Sgt. William Rivers, 46. The 13 service members killed at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan on August 26th 2021: Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, from Salt Lake City, Utah Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, from Lawrence, Massachusetts Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, from Sacramento, California Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, from Indio, California Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, from Omaha, Nebraska Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, from Logansport, Indiana Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, from Rio Bravo, Texas Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, from St. Charles, Missouri Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, from Jackson, Wyoming Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, from Rancho Cucamonga, California Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, from Norco, California Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, from Berlin Heights, Ohio Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, from Corryton, Tennessee Rest in Peace!

Honoring a Legend: Incredible night with the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps GEN Smith, the Green Beret legend Colonel Paris Davis and Big Mike and Ed. The hospitality from the Marines were incredible and the Evening Parade was incredible as always. For more than 60 years, the "Oldest Post of the Corps" has displayed the pride, professionalism, and esprit de corps of Marines throughout the world. Guests will see the finest in military excellence including performances by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the esteemed United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Following the ceremony, our guests will have the opportunity to meet Marines who performed throughout the parade as well as take photographs with the Marine Barracks mascot, Chesty XVI.

I remember the 13 service members killed at Abbey Gate and I will always say their names: Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, from Salt Lake City, Utah Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, from Lawrence, Massachusetts Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, from Sacramento, California Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, from Indio, California Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, from Omaha, Nebraska Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, from Logansport, Indiana Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, from Rio Bravo, Texas Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, from St. Charles, Missouri Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, from Jackson, Wyoming Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, from Rancho Cucamonga, California Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, from Norco, California Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, from Berlin Heights, Ohio Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, from Corryton, Tennessee

I am thrilled to announce that I have been elected as the Vice Chairman of the Virginia State Board of Veteran Services. As Vice Chairman, my responsibilities include advocating for policies that benefit veterans, ensuring their access to essential services and resources, and promoting initiatives that enhance their quality of life. Collaborating closely with fellow board members, government officials, and community organizations, I look forward to advancing meaningful solutions and addressing key challenges faced by our veteran community. Yes VMDSEP is on everyone’s mind and was the bulk of the session yesterday but it is in the hands of the elected officials now in Richmond and although we keep up the pressure we are confident that people will do the right thing for those who sacrificed so much for this country for a benefit they earned.