Special Forces Charitable Trust to Honor Blind Officer at Green Beret Family Awards Dinner
Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 10, 2013 -- On October 16, 2013, the Special Forces Charitable Trust will honor Captain Ivan Castro, the only blind officer serving in the U.S. Army Special Forces, with the Ross Perot Award for Military Philanthropic Leadership at the Second Annual Celebrating the Green Beret Family Awards Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel (2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.).
Awarded to an individual, organization or business who during the past 12 months exhibited the same strategic and quiet support exemplified by the spirit of Mr. Perot’s work within the Special Forces community, CPT Castro’s work mentoring, coaching and counseling wounded services members have proved why he will receive the Ross Perot Award.
Injured in Iraq on September 2, 2006 by a mortar round, Captain Castro rejoined the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in 2008, helping to pave the way for wounded warriors to continue to serve. From 2009-2012, while assigned to the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion, CPT Castro ran multiple marathons and 50-mile runs while also bicycling across the United States promoting the values of the U.S. Army Green Berets and supporting wounded warrior charities. Castro is an advocate of rehabilitation for the blind, visiting members in Congress in his quest. In November, he plans to participate, along with other wounded soldiers and celebrities, including Prince Harry of England, in the “Walking with the Wounded South Pole Challenge” to raise money and awareness for the wounded.
With special guests including Ross Perot and FOX News Correspondent Allison Barrie, the Celebrating the Green Beret Family Awards Dinner will begin with a 6:00 pm reception, followed by dinner and program at 7:00 pm. In addition to the Ross Perot Award, the program will recognize the recipients of the Colonel Martha “Maggie” Raye Award, all who have contributed significantly to the quality of life of our soldiers and their families within their respective groups. Entertainment will be provided by Melissa Gomez, lead vocalist for the American Military Spouses Choir, an “America’s Got Talent” quarterfinalist.
Proceeds from this dinner, as well as donations, enable the Special Forces Charitable Trust to support the Special Forces Charitable Trust Family and Command Support, Education, and Veterans programs.
Over the past year, the Special Forces Charitable Trust has provided over 25 scholarships to spouses and dependent children of Special Forces, assisted over 18 families in need of emergency assistance, sponsored several command functions, provided funeral assistance to six families, and provided resources for over 25 Special Forces veterans to navigate the VA, resulting in medical treatment for their condition.
“Our dinner in Washington is the Special Forces Charitable Trust’s annual signature event where we recognize the family members in the United States Army Special Forces who are in the fight and who are often forgotten – spouses, children, brothers, sisters, and parents of the Green Beret solider,” said Terry English, President of the Special Forces Charitable Trust and Retired Green Beret.
Sponsorships and individual tickets range from $1,000 - $50,000, donations are also encouraged for those that can not attend. For more information, about the Celebrating the Green Beret Family Awards Dinner, or to make a donation, contact Holly Johnson at (202) 741-1294 or visit http://www.specialforcescharitabletrust.org.
About Special Forces Charitable Trust
The Special Forces Charitable Trust provides meaningful financial support and services to the entire Special Forces community and their families. The Special Forces Charitable Trust’s programs sustain active-duty, National Guard, and veteran soldiers. Through active engagement with Special Forces command and the Special Forces Association, they are able to ensure Special Forces Charitable Trust programs are tailored to meet their needs.
Holly Johnson, The Webster Group, +1 202-741-1294, [email protected]
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