Helping Our Heroes Foundation is pleased to announce General James F. Amos as the 2016 Guest of Honor for its annual fundraiser. This year’s dinner and auction will take place at the Frontiers of Flight Museum September 11, 2016, which will mark the 15th anniversary of 9/11.
Nominated by President Barack Obama, General Amos assumed the duties as the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps October 22, 2010. During his tenure, he completed the Corps’ combat mission in Afghanistan, led a significant force reduction of Marines and managed the Corps’ $27 billion dollar annual budget. Despite fiscal challenges, General Amos established Marine Crisis Response commands in Africa and the Middle East and added an additional 1,000 Marine Security Guards to America’s embassies around the world in response to the Benghazi tragedy. He also partnered with key legislators to bring national recognition to the Corps’ World War II African American “Montford Point Marines” with the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal, and began an effort to “ethically reground” his force in line with its high standards of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
After 42 years of active service, General Amos retired December 1, 2014. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund/America’s Fund, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lord Corporation, serves on Huntington Ingalls Ship Building’s Strategic Advisory Board, and serves on the Board of Advisors for the veteran non-profit organization - Charlotte Bridge Home.
“General Amos fully understands the price of freedom,” said Mike Marasco, Co-Event Chair. “We are honored to have him join us as the Guest of Honor on the 15th anniversary of September 11 and hope to raise awareness for those who serve in every branch of the Armed Forces.”
In the past five years, Helping Our Heroes has provided more than $735,000 from donations and matching funds to Semper Fi Fund, which provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to critically ill and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and Folds of Honor, which provides annual educational scholarships to the families of those killed or disabled while in active duty. In 2016, the hope is to raise more than $200,000 to make a positive difference in the lives of veterans and their families through the programs they support.
This year’s fundraiser includes a dinner on September 11, 2016, at Frontiers of Flight Museum, which will mark the 15th anniversary of 9/11, followed by a golf tournament at Brookhaven Country Club on September 12, 2016. To purchase tickets or register a foursome for the tournament, please visit http://www.helpingourheroes.us.