Stand & Salute American Heroes to honor Purple Heart Recipient July 17,2011 at San Diego Padres Game

July 15, 2011 - PRLog -- Sunshine Roth, National Director of Events and Community Liaison for Stand & Salute American Heroes (SASAH), has announced that it has selected a Purple Heart recipient from California to receive the 39th Stand & Salute American Heroes Award.  Stand & Salute American Heroes falls under the parent program of "Our Fallen Soldier" which is a 501 (c) 3 Organization.

The ceremony will take place during 'Military Appreciation Day" on July 17th.  The San Diego Padres take on the San Francisco Giants at PETCO Park.  Sergeant Thomas Humphrey USMC will be recognized with an on-field presentation of the SASAH Award Honor Bat.  

Stand & Salute American Heroes will be presented during an on-field ceremony by "Our Heroes Journey" National Director and Co-Founder of "Our Fallen Soldier" Kelly Luisi.  Rich Luisi who is a two time Iraq Veteran will also take part in the presentation. Ms. Luisi stated "It is the greatest HONOR to stand before a crowd at the San Diego PADRES game, and pay tribute to Sgt. Thomas "Trey" Humphrey for his service to our nation.  He is  a TRUE American Hero".

Ms. Roth expressed the staff’s appreciation regarding the support of the San Diego Padres, saying, “It was easy to recognize a genuine care and affinity with the San Diego Padres community relations staff when they were told the story of Sergeant Humphrey. The San Diego Padres show themselves to be an organization of true class.”

In October 2010 Sgt. Humphrey was deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan in support of OEF. Combat operations were very intense as they began their initial push to control the area. On November 9 Sgt. Humphrey took his squad outside the wire in order to help a fellow squad leader evacuate a Marine who stepped on an IED.  They managed to distract the enemy long enough for them to get the casualty back inside friendly lines. When they attempted to maneuver on the enemies machine gun position Sgt. Humphrey stepped on a pressure plate IED.

His resulting injuries were the traumatic amputation of his right leg below the knee, severe damage to his left leg, a fractured jaw, severe shrapnel wounds to most of his body. He also suffers from traumatic brain injury and PTSD.   He was evacuated to Bethesda Naval Hospital and subsequently Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego.

SASAH has partnered with the Mission Valley Marriott of San Diego for accommodations for all that will be attending the Honor Event.  Assistant General Manager for the Mission Valley Marriott Mike Murphy and the staff  showed that they truly believe in honoring wounded Veterans and and Troops that have served our Country.  American Airlines as well will be represented at the Honor Event.

For those desiring to attend this honor event on July 17th, please contact the San Diego Padres ticket office at (619) 795-5000.  You may also email sasah218@gmail.com for information.

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Stand & Salute American Heroes is a major program of Our Fallen Soldier, a 501 (c) 3 Organization. Through sports we honor heroes at sporting event. It is a time for them to be recognized for the service and sacrifices they have given to ensure the FREEDOM and liberation of others. We honor them one hero at a time, but there are times, such as Veteran’s Day where many are honored together.