TYSONS, Va.—The PenFed Foundation raised nearly $1.5 million during its 13th Annual Night of Heroes Gala.
Nearly 800 military, business, community and government leaders attended the Washington, D.C., event which included tributes to three heroes making a difference on behalf of those who have served, PenFed stated.
“In combat, the brave men and women in the United States Armed Forces fight for the ideals of freedom. Even if they become severely injured, servicemembers keep fighting for their lives. These military heroes are driven to recover due to the love and support of family, friends and loved ones who remind them every day that a grateful nation stands behind them,” said James Schenck, PenFed Foundation CEO. “So as you look out across this room and see nearly 800 patriotic Americans, it is your care and your concern for our nation’s heroes that inspires them. By supporting our nation’s defenders who were injured defending our way of life, your love and support for them is making a real difference.”
“At the VA, there is no way we could do the work we are doing without our partners,” said U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin. The work being done by the PenFed Foundation is absolutely critical to the type of partnerships that we need to help our nation's Veterans. We are really proud that working with foundations like PenFed and others, the number of homeless Veterans is down by half.”
Bob Carter, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. and Executive General Manager, Toyota Motor Corporation, received the Community Hero Award for the extraordinary contributions Toyota has made to numerous military community-based philanthropic programs, including partnering with the Hiring-Our-Heroes Organization, founded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“It is imperative for all of us to remember that as supporters of our men and women of service, our responsibility does not end when they return home. In fact, for companies like us, their homecoming is where our duty begins,” Carter said. “We know that hiring Veterans is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.”
Marine Corporal (Ret.) Joshua Himan received the Military Hero Award in recognition of the contributions he has made to other Veterans after returning home paralyzed from the chest down from injuries he suffered while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.
“I accept this award on behalf of the 16 men that died in my battalion in Afghanistan,” Himan said. “My sacrifice is so insignificant compared to what those men gave. Whenever I feel sorry for myself I think about these men and I know every single one of them would trade places with me today. I owe it to them to live my life to the fullest. Because of that motivation, I’m here with you today.”
Claudia Avila received the Hero at Home Award for her support as caregiver for her husband Captain Luis Avila who was severely wounded on his fifth deployment in Afghanistan in 2011.
“Soldiers are the backbone of our nation and we, the caregivers, are the backbone for them,” Avila said. “To the PenFed foundation I’m grateful for creating awareness that caregivers do exist, that we do want help and we appreciate everything you all do. All of you are heroes in one way or another. You made the life of our families better and we are grateful for that. Life is fragile, it can happen to anyone of us; we need to take care of one another.”
Since it was founded in 2001, the PenFed Foundation has provided more than $30 million of financial support to Veterans. All Gala proceeds go towards supporting more than 35,000 Veterans, active military members and their families each year, PenFed said.