Philanthropist Lois Pope And American Humane Association To Proudly Welcome American Hero Sergeant Matt Eversmann To Palm Beach

PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An event that is dedicated to honoring heroes on both ends of the leash has just secured one of the biggest war heroes in history as a very special guest. Philanthropist Lois Pope and American Humane Association, the country's first national humane organization, are honored to welcome retired Army First Sergeant Matt Eversmann, whose story was immortalized in the film "Black Hawk Down" to the special "K-9 Battle Buddies" luncheon on Tuesday March 17 at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. Sergeant Eversmann was one of the biggest heroes of the Battle of Mogadishu and will address the crowd with his message of values-based leadership, which he learned through his years of bravely serving his country.

"Black Hawk Down," in which Eversmann is portrayed by Josh Hartnett, recounts the 18 harrowing hours when U.S. soldiers in Somalia were trapped in a hostile district of Mogadishu. Young Rangers and Delta Force soldiers fought side by side, outnumbered and marked for death by an angry mob, until a rescue convoy was mounted.

Sergeant Eversmann has received many military decorations, including the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Ribbon, eight Army Achievement medals, and four Army Commendation medals. For his service in Somalia, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. Before his retirement in early 2008, Sergeant Eversmann served 15 months in Iraq, leading an elite infantry force. He will be joined at the luncheon by Army Rangers Corey Goltz, Chad Jenkins, Steve Holloway Jarrod Ryan, and Douglas Gray.

Mrs. Pope recently saw the completion of a decade's long dream – the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, which was dedicated by President Obama in Washington, DC on Sunday, October 5, 2014. The Memorial will forever stand as a reminder to the public and legislators of the courage and sacrifices of the four million living disabled veterans and all those who died before them for the need to be vigilant in assuring their support, as well as being aware of the human cost of war. The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation is now working to have October 5 declared a national holiday in honor of the courage and sacrifices of our Disabled Veterans, who have given so much to defend our freedom.  

"We are so deeply touched and honored that Sergeant Eversmann can join us at the Mar-a-Lago Club for this very special luncheon where we will pay tribute to heroes on both ends of the leash," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association's president and CEO. "Anyone who has seen the film 'Black Hawk Down' knows the heroism and valor he exhibited under the most trying of conditions and we applaud all he – and our special military dog teams we are also honoring at the luncheon – have done to serve their country. We thank Mrs. Lois Pope for her gracious sponsorship of this luncheon and all she does to make a more humane world for our children and animals."

"Sergeant Eversmann is a true American hero in every sense of the word," said Mrs. Pope. "And these military dogs and their handlers deserve every bit of the recognition they receive. I share American Humane Association's dedication to ensuring a safe journey home for all military dogs so they can live out retirement with the heroes they worked with side by side, protecting their fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms."

Information about the March 17th "K-9 Battle Buddies" gala luncheon can be provided by Jill Nizan at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-227-4645. Jet Paws and Military Freedom sponsorship opportunities are also available.

About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

About Lois Pope, The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., and LIFE (Leaders in Furthering Education)
As one of America's leading philanthropists, Lois Pope has positively impacted the lives of individuals at the local, national and international levels.  She has established three separate organizations dedicated to helping those in need.  These organizations are the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., Leaders In Furthering Education (LIFE), and the Disabled Veterans' Life Memorial Foundation.  For more than 20 years she has been the driving force behind the Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine, The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, and a groundbreaking new program with American Humane Association in Palm Beach County. Lois Pope has recently donated two Lois Pope Red Star Rescue Vehicles. Each rescue vehicle is a 50-foot long response unit, complete with a Ford F-350 truck and trailer, which is specifically designed and outfitted to provide an array of animal emergency services and cruelty responses within the region. 

Mrs. Pope recently saw the completion of a decade's long dream – the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, which was dedicated by President Obama in Washington, DC on Sunday, October 5, 2014. The Memorial will forever stand as a reminder to the public and legislators of the courage and sacrifices of the four million living disabled veterans and all those who died before them for the need to be vigilant in assuring their support, as well as being aware of the human cost of war.

A mother and a grandmother, Lois has trained for and completed five New York City Marathons.

To learn more visit www.life-edu.org or call 561.582.8083. 

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SOURCE American Humane Association

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http://www.americanhumane.org