Three Survivors of the USS Arizona to be Honored During First-Ever Visit to Washington, D.C., July 19th-23rd

AUSTIN, Texas, July 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation and Navy Reserve Officer Matthew Previts, U.S. Money Reserve announced today its participation in a special event to honor three of only five remaining USS Arizona survivors during a long-awaited visit to Washington, D.C., from July 19^th through July 23^rd. The trip marks the first visit to the nation's capital for Ken Potts (Coxswain), Donald Stratton (Seaman, First Class), and Lauren Bruner (Fire Controlman, Third Class). In particular, Stratton and Bruner have been working to secure proper recognition and a posthumous award for Joe George—the sailor who saved six lives aboard the sinking USS Arizona, including their own, during the attack on Pearl Harbor over 75 years ago.

"This is a monumental visit for our nation, with a strongly patriotic purpose," said retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Frank Thorp, president and CEO of the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation. "We are honored to host the USS Arizona survivors on their mission to secure recognition for the late Joe George—the USS Vestal sailor who saved the lives of six men on that day that lives in infamy."

Though George, a boatswain's mate second class, was ordered to cut the rope that would detach his Vestal from the sinking Arizona, he went against orders and instead threw a weighted heaving line from the Vestal to the Arizona—a decision that would ultimately save six lives that day. Unidentified for his brave efforts for most of his life, George was finally revealed as the 'unknown savior' nearly 50 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He passed away in 1996 and has never been officially recognized for his heroic actions.

"Though the men George saved never had the chance to thank him in person, they continue to push for official recognition for the man who saved them," said Previts, who has been working closely with the survivors, all now in their 90s, to help them achieve their mission. "When I learned they had never visited our great nation's capital before, I knew we had to make the trip happen. It took the survivors nearly 50 years to find George, and now I want to help make their mission of recognizing him a success."

To honor the USS Arizona survivors for their service and dedication, U.S. Money Reserve—in partnership with the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation—will present each of the three survivors, along with George's daughter, Joe Ann Taylor, with a commemorative 5 oz. Pearl Harbor Silver Coin. This pure silver, government-issued coin was minted in limited quantities exclusively by U.S. Money Reserve to honor the 75^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

The presentation of the coins will take place on Thursday, July 20th, at 8:30am EST at the World War II Memorial in D.C.

Hosea Perkins, retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (18^th Airborne Corp., Desert Storm veteran), and Ramon Rodriguez, U.S. Army Reserve Master Sergeant (First Cavalry Division, Iraqi Freedom veteran), both directors of sales at U.S. Money Reserve, will present the coins on behalf of U.S Money Reserve and the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation.

"We feel truly honored and humbled to present the USS Arizona survivors a token of our gratitude during their first visit to the nation's capital," said Philip N. Diehl, president of U.S. Money Reserve.  

"The Pearl Harbor coin program has brought so much joy to our company in so many ways," added Angela Koch, CEO of U.S. Money Reserve. "These opportunities to honor our veterans who sacrificed the most on that infamous day in history are among the most cherished."

Since the launch of its Pearl Harbor coin series last year, U.S. Money Reserve has partnered with the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation to donate a portion of the proceeds from every Pearl Harbor Coin sold to help raise a Lone Sailor Statue at Pearl Harbor. The statue, proposed to be constructed with metal from the USS Arizona, is expected to be completed later this year.

While in Washington, D.C., the survivors will pay their respects to fellow soldiers of service buried at Arlington National Cemetery. They also plan to visit the nation's most iconic monuments in the D.C. area. Previts, a special duty information professional and intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, has coordinated the survivors' first visit to the nation's capital and is responsible for the itinerary while visiting D.C.

Also present at the coin presentation will be Andy Abel, host of The Coin Vault and grandson of WWII veteran and noted coin industry figure, Leon Hendrickson. Abel's respect for veterans and strong connection to coins makes this a special event to support.

For more information or to speak with company leadership at U.S. Money Reserve, please contact Christol Farris at 512-568-9991 or [email protected] or Lacy Rushin at [email protected] or visit www.usmoneyreserve.com.

About U.S. Money Reserve

U.S. Money Reserve is one of the nation's largest private distributors of U.S. government-issued gold, silver, and platinum products.

Founded in 2001, U.S. Money Reserve has grown into one of the world's largest private distributors of U.S. and foreign government-issued gold, silver, and platinum legal tender products. Hundreds of thousands of clients across the country rely on U.S. Money Reserve to diversify their assets with physical precious metals, primarily in the form of U.S. gold and silver coins.

U.S. Money Reserve's uniquely trained team includes coin research and numismatic professionals equipped with market knowledge to find products for precious metals buyers at every level. U.S. Money Reserve goes above the industry standard to provide superior customer service, with the goal of establishing a long-term relationship with each and every one of its customers. U.S. Money Reserve is based in Austin, Texas. Like them on Facebook, connect on LinkedIn, and follow on Twitter @USMoneyReserve.

About the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation

Conveniently located on Pennsylvania Avenue – halfway between the White House and the Capitol, the United States Navy Memorial provides a living tribute to Navy people and a place for them to gather and celebrate their service. The outdoor plaza features a "Granite Sea" map of the world, towering masts with signal flags, fountain pools and waterfalls and The Lone Sailor Statue^©.

Adjacent to the plaza is the Naval Heritage Center, where visitors can find educational displays about the contributions of the men and women of the Sea Services (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine). Also housed in the Naval Heritage Center is the Navy Log – the online place for Navy people to stay connected with each other, celebrate their service and preserve the memories of their service. There, Navy veterans can build a record of their service online. Call (202) 737-2300 or visit www.navymemorial.org for more information.

Contact: Christol Farris
[email protected]
512-568-9991

Lacy Rushin 
[email protected]
512-228-8563

SOURCE U.S. Money Reserve

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