Warriors, Supporters Honored at Annual Wounded Warrior Project Gala
NEW YORK CITY (June 1, 2018) – Last night, warriors and supporters were honored at the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner® at Gotham Hall. This annual gala recognizes the service and dedication of those who make WWP’s mission possible and inspire others to do more for our nation’s wounded warriors.
Three awards were given out during the evening, each recognizing the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond supporting the needs of warriors. U.S. Army veteran Andrew Coughlan received the Courage Award, which is given to a warrior, family member, or caregiver who embodies the WWP core values of service, integrity, and loyalty. Longtime WWP partner USAA® received the Empowerment Award for their commitment to going above and beyond supporting the needs of our returning warriors. And Tom Cocchiarella of St. Paul, Minnesota received the Service Award for his continuous efforts at the local level to rally supporters for WWP.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to recognize Andrew Coughlan, Tom Cocchiarella, and USAA for their tireless support and advocacy on behalf of the warriors we serve,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “Their efforts this year and throughout the years have empowered warriors and provided us the resources we need to continue providing life-changing programs and services at no cost to the warriors and family members.”
Also in attendance to recognize warriors and supporters were country music artist Trace Adkins, who put on a special performance for attendees, and Brian Kilmeade of Fox & Friends, who hosted the gala. Thomas Gibson, Anson Mount, Melissa Joan Hart, Dolph Ziggler, Luke Pell, Pryor Baird, and Justin Melnick also took time to show their support for the warriors, families, and caregivers WWP serves. Though unable to attend, Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh sent a surprise video to Andrew, a lifelong Michigan football fan, expressing his gratitude for his service. Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan also sent a video encouraging the public to support the WWP mission.
“It was an absolute privilege getting to know the wounded warriors I met at the Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner,” said Anson Mount. “The courage and resilience they show in their recoveries is inspiring, and it’s obvious that the staff of Wounded Warrior Project care deeply about their well-being. The impact that organization makes on the lives of the veterans in their care is obvious, and I can’t thank them enough for the chance to come out and experience firsthand the work they do.”
“Last year, I had the pleasure to attend the Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner and meet some of the awesome men and women served by Wounded Warrior Project,” said Thomas Gibson. “I left the event inspired, and more motivated than ever to raise awareness for the work that Wounded Warrior Project does. I’m proud to have come back for this year’s event, and will continue to lend my support to the lifesaving services they provide.”
“The needs of our country’s wounded veterans is a cause I care deeply for,” said Melissa Joan Hart. “I’m proud to show my support for Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that has done so much for our nation’s injured service members and the recoveries they each face.”
“We all know our nation’s veterans are going through a lot when they recover from their experiences in combat,” said Dolph Ziggler. “These men and women are fighting every day for the chance to find a new normal here at home. I’m grateful Wounded Warrior Project is an organization that makes that transition easier. I was deeply moved at the Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner, seeing firsthand how warriors and their families have been positively impacted. Wounded Warrior Project is changing lives, and we need to do all we can to support that.”
“As an Army veteran, I’ve witnessed what these incredible men and women go through,” said Luke Pell. “It’s difficult to put into words if you’ve never experienced it – but it is very clear the warriors receiving assistance from Wounded Warrior Project are in great hands. Their dedication, passion, and loyalty to those who serve our country is evident in everything they do, and it was an honor to have the chance to be part of the Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner.”
Funds raised through ticket sales, donations, and the online auction will help empower warriors served through WWP’s free programs and services. Since 2003, WWP has tirelessly advocated for our nation’s finest, improving the lives of over half a million warriors and families. To learn more about how WWP is changing lives, visit https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org. And to see pictures from the Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner, visit http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr585438388.
Contact: Mattison Brooks – Public Relations, mbrooks@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.451.5590
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more: https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org.