San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer Announces "Road to Recovery Week" for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes at Kick-Off Reception on Oct. 4, 2014

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, a leading national, non-profit military charity, received a proclamation signed by Mayor Kevin Faulconer during a special musical reception benefit for combat-wounded military veterans and their families on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, CA.

The proclamation, presented to Coalition CEO and President David Walker by popular KCBQ Radio host Mark Larson, focused on the Coalition's Road to Recovery Conference, a three-day event to help military veterans and their families reintegrate into civilian life.

"We are incredibly honored by Mayor Faulconer's proclamation which recognizes the value of our work and is a sign of the Coalition's growing momentum," said Walker. "I speak on behalf of all Coalition staff and our guests when I say that we were thrilled by the incredible support we received in San Diego."

The proclamation by Mayor Faulconer included the following words: "Whereas, The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a true leader today not only because of its exemplary work in supporting veterans, but also in its efforts to provide solutions for the new problems that young combat wounded encounter when they return home; now, therefore, be it proclaimed, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer, on behalf of the citizens of San Diego, proclaim October 4-11, 2014, to be 'Road to Recovery Week' in the City of San Diego to support critically injured veterans."

The Road to Recovery conference and the kick-off reception, headlined by world-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns, was featured in the Coronado Eagle & Journal and the San Diego Union-Tribune on October 1 and October 2, 2014 – and received extensive media coverage throughout the event.

Walker said: "The October 4^th reception was a remarkable evening of music and inspiration headlined by our friend, Anthony Kearns, to begin our Road to Recovery Conference." 

"It's been my privilege to perform at many events during the past three years to support the Coalition and its work to help America's veterans. They're a fantastic organization, not only in helping veterans to transition to civilian life, but they are saving lives," said Kearns. Following his performance, Kearns received the Coalition's "Hometown Heroes" Award in recognition of his work on behalf of America's veterans.

Recently the Coalition and Kearns joined forces to celebrate the 239^th Birthday of the U.S. Army and at a Memorial Day Tribute hosted by The Washington Times to honor America's veterans, with an emphasis on the dozens of veterans serving in Congress, on May 21, 2014. Guests included Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), a World War II veteran and Navy pilot. Two dozen U.S. Representatives and Senators attended the event.  In March 2014, Kearns was the featured entertainer at the 113th Annual St. Patrick's Day Banquet hosted by the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago, with guests from the Coalition, and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and John McDonough, President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, among others.

Special guests at the October 4, 2014 reception included U.S. Congressman Scott Peters, a member of the House Armed Services and House Science, Space, and Technology Committees, who also presented a proclamation about the Coalition's contributions to veterans.

Actor Jack Scalia, best known for his role on the hit TV show, All My Children, served as Honorary Host, with Larson as Emcee. There was also a special guest appearance by Cassidy Diana, who sang a song she wrote, "Salute," dedicated to U.S. military troops.

Before introducing Congressman Peters, Scalia commended the Coalition's Donny Daughenbaugh (U.S. Marines, retired) and other for helping those injured in line of battle for their country. "I applaud you for your righteous work," he said.

Congressman Peters agreed: "We must honor the promises made to our veterans for their service to our country. These men and women in uniform, and their families, sacrifice for our safety every day and deserve nothing but the utmost support from every part of the community," he said.

Larson, who introduced Army Sergeant Mary Herrera, a Purple Heart recipient for valor in Iraq, said he was humbled by the opportunity to support America's wounded service members. "Thank you, David, Mary, and the Coalition, for this wonderful opportunity to give back to these incredible men and women. We owe them so much. And this is something that isn't just for 'now' but for years to come."

The evening also featured one-of-a-kind auction items from the San Diego Chargers, the San Diego Padres, actor Chuck Norris, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library, and more.

The last time the Coalition was in the San Diego area was in April 2014 to congratulate Sgt. Rob Jones, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), who biked from Maine to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA to raise awareness for nonprofit organizations that helped him recover from war injuries. For his efforts, Sgt. Jones received commendations by U.S. Congressmen Duncan Hunter (CA), Darrell Issa (CA), and Frank Wolf (VA), as well as Mayor Faulconer, San Diego County Supervisors Bill Horn and Ron Roberts, the San Diego Padres, and others.

The Coalition's Annual Road to Recovery Conference is a multi-day educational and motivational event featuring a Career Fair, seminars, workshops and presentations from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and other organizations. For more information, visit: www.saluteheroes.org.

SOURCE Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes