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Gallantly Forward Gala - 2020

2020 Gala PosterFINAL.jpg

Event: Social / Dinner / Silent & Live Auction / Guest Speakers / Live Music

Subject: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Veteran Suicide 

Date: Saturday - 17 October 2020

Time: Doors open at 5PM

Location: Rushmore Plaza Civic Center / LACROIX Hall -  Rapid City, SD 57701

Tickets: $35

Dear Patriots: 

We invite you to our annual ‘Gallantly Forward Gala’ in support of Veterans on Saturday, 17 October. Help us raise awareness about the issues facing our warriors: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), veteran suicide, homelessness, and the effects they have on veterans and their families who battle these demons.  Veterans from the Black Hills area will be in attendance and your presence and community support will be met with much respect.  

The gala fundraiser will be held at The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center - LaCroix Hall, Rapid City, SD.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with event ceremonies kicking off at 5:45 p.m.  Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance.  Business evening attire is recommended, but not required.

The gala event which will feature a social hour, dinner, guest speakers, silent/live auction and live music.

Founded in 2012, SCLDF is steadfast in our three-fold mission: Veteran advocacy, assistance, and public awareness of the battles our heroes face when they come home.   If you can’t attend the event, we ask that you consider sponsoring a veteran in your stead or donate an item for the silent/live auction.  All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.  All of our staff volunteer their time; we have no employees.  The SCLDF is proud to provide veterans with advocacy, resourcing, and outlets to problem-solving; financial assistance is just a part of what we offer to veterans and their families.

Why do we advocate for our veterans?  Present day soldiers are likely to face multiple deployments throughout their military careers.  While on deployments, soldiers have an overall mission; soldiers feel united and develop a sense of duty and camaraderie.  However, coming home does not always mean peace, but often reveals confusion, turmoil, anger, depression and isolation.  An estimated 20+ veterans and 1 active duty soldier succumb to suicide every day.

Sergeant Colton Levi Derr suffered with PTSD following his combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.  In support of American’s War on Terror during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring freedom, SGT Derr, U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division completed over 500 combat missions.  Our hero succumbed to suicide on 28 APR 12 following his Afghanistan mission. 

We honor Colton by assisting his fellow veterans and their families and respectfully ask that you become involved in this battle.  It’s imperative that the public and our veterans' families understand that coming home does not mean the war has ended; it’s our responsibility as a community to support our warriors and your assistance is greatly appreciated. 

Very respectfully, 

Haley A. Derr, President

Please contact us to donate auction items or purchase tickets: 

                        

Earlier Event: September 26
8th Annual Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation 5k Walk 10k Run
Later Event: July 18
7th Annual KoC Charity Golf Tournament