New York | United States
The 2018 Annual Wounded Warrior Project Gala was the night of warriors at the Gotham Hall of New York City. Few are those people who are ready to sacrifice themselves for their nation. To honor such bravery an evening was organized at Gotham Hall where warriors and supporters were honored at the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner. This annual gala recognized the service and dedication of those who live by the WWP’s code and inspires others to do more for our nation’s wounded warriors.
Three prestigious awards were given out during the 2018 Annual Wounded Warrior Project Gala to acknowledge the incomparable efforts of those who have gone above and beyond supporting the need of warriors. Marine Corps 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 the 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.
WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington commented:
“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. 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.”
The glamorous evening undoubtedly made everybody proud and to make the event more blissful there was 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.
Those who were unable to attend the evening did not miss a chance to participate. 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.
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. To learn more about this worthy cause and to get involved click here.
Images courtesy of Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Wounded Warrior Project
