SGT Derr Foundation Announces 8th Annual Gallantly Forward Gala

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For Immediate Release: Saturday, October 2, 2021

CONTACT: Jerry W. Derr 

 Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation ‘Gallantly Forward Gala’

Rapid City, SD—The Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) announces their 8th annual ‘Gallantly Forward Gala’ in support of  Veterans on Saturday,  October 16, 2021 at  The Monument—LaCroix Hall, Rapid City, SD.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and event ceremonies kick-off at 5:45 p.m.  Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance.  Business or evening attire is recommended, but not required.  The gala event will feature a social hour, dinner, speakers, music and a silent/live auction.  Opening ceremonies feature engaging music by The Starfellows: 2 brothers—1 piano.

If unable to attend the event, the SCLDF asks that you consider either sponsoring a veteran in your stead or donating an item for the silent/live auction.  All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.  

The SCLDF is proud to provide our veterans with advocacy, financial support and targeted resources to problem-solve their individual requests. 

Sergeant Colton Levi Derr battled a hidden enemy in PTSD and fell to suicide on April 28, 2012.  During his deployments to Iraq (1st Cavalry Division) and Afghanistan (10th Mountain Division), Colton completed 500+ combat missions.  Nicknamed "Delta Derr”, his military leadership stated they had never seen a tougher soldier, a sentiment shared by his soldiers.  Colton was a leader, mentor and brother to all. Though he battled PTSD during his final deployment, Colton kept the struggle to himself and appeared dauntless to his comrades.  Through SCLDF, we honor Colton and, by assisting his fellow veterans and their families who face similar struggles, encourage veteran outreach and support.

Founded in 2012, SCLDF is steadfast in our three-fold mission: Veteran Advocacy, Assistance, and Public Awareness, remembering that the battles our heroes face don’t end when they come home.  All of our staff volunteer their time in an effort to ensure our veterans know their is HOPE.  It’s intolerable that 20+ veterans fall to suicide every day.   Listening to someone in need - without judgement - is impactful.  




SGM Adin Salkanovic is the Featured Speaker at the Gallantly Forward Gala

SGM Salkanovic

SGM Salkanovic

Gala Main Speaker - Sergeant Major Adin Salkanovic

Rapid City, SD—The Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) announces their 6th annual ‘Gallantly Forward Gala’ in support of  Veterans.  The event will be held on Saturday,October 19, 2019 at The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center—LaCroix Hall, Rapid City, SD.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and event ceremonies kick-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 will feature a social hour, dinner, guest speakers, silent/live auction, and live music. The event’s main speaker is: Sergeant Major Adin Salkanovic, United States Army. The Master of Ceremonies (MC) will be Dr. Julie Ertz, and opening ceremonies covered with engaging music by Orion Potter.

Sergeant Major Adin Salkanovic is a native of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.  He enlisted into the United States Army on 13 August 1999 as an Armored Reconnaissance Specialist, graduating the One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.  

SGM Salkanovic has served in the following duty positions and organizations: Scout Driver, Scout Gunner 3rd Battalion 8th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, TX; Team Leader, Section Leader, Senior Scout F Troop 9th Cavalry Regiment, FT Hood, TX;  Senior Scout, Platoon Sergeant, Squadron Operations Sergeant 6th Squadron 9th Cavalry Regiment, FT Hood, TX; Brigade Operation NCO Observer Controller Trainer (OC/T), Joint Multinational Training Center, Hohenfels, Germany; First Sergeant, B Troop 1st Squadron 89th Cavalry Regiment, FT Drum, NY; Senior Cavalry Observer Controller Trainer (OC/T), 1st Battalion 360th Infantry Regiment, FT Bliss, TX, Squadron Operations Sergeant Major 1st Squadron 32nd Cavalry Regiment, Fort Campbell, KY; Provisional Brigade Command Sergeant Major, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne (AASLT) Fort Campbell, KY.  His six deployments include four tours to Operation Iraqi Freedom and two tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

 SGM Salkanovic’s military education includes, but is not limited to the United States Sergeant Major Academy Course Class 68, First Sergeant Course, Senior Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Basic Leaders Course, Cavalry Leaders Course, Sniper Employment Course, Master Resilience Trainer Course, Battle Staff, Unit Movement Officer Course, Airload Planners Course, Basic Parachute Course and the Air Assault Course.  

 SGM Salkanovic’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (4OLC), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Army Commendation Medal with V device, Army Commendation Medal (4OLC), Army Achievement Medal (7OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (with numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (with numeral 3) and the NATO Medal.  His badges include the Combat Action Badge, the Parachute Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Drivers Badge (W), and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold).  

SGM Salkanovic holds a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College He also holds an Associate of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College.  He is a recipient of the Order of St George.

Gallantly Forward Gala - 2019

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For Immediate Release: Sunday, September 22, 2019

CONTACT: Jerry W. Derr / 605.545.2505 / jerry@sergeantderrfoundation.org

  ‘Gallantly Forward Gala’

Rapid City, SD—The Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) announces their 6th annual ‘Gallantly Forward Gala’ in support of  Veterans.  The event will be held on Saturday,October 19, 2019 at The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center—LaCroix Hall, Rapid City, SD.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and event ceremonies kick-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 will feature a social hour, dinner, guest speakers, silent/live auction, and live music. The event’s main speaker is: Sergeant Major Adin Salkanovic, United States Army. The Master of Ceremonies (MC) will be Dr. Julie Ertz, and opening ceremonies covered with engaging music by Orion Potter.

If unable to attend the event, the SCLDF asks that you consider either sponsoring a veteran in your stead or donating an item for the silent/live auction.  All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.  

The Middle Eastern wars have mandated multiple deployments  of our heroes.  Over 2.7 million Americans have served on 5.4 million military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. While deployed, our warriors develop the bonds of brotherhood, duty and purpose.  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.  The U.S. suicide rate is now 33% higher than it was in 1999 and the suicide rate for veterans is 50% greater than their civilian counterparts.  We must do more to combat these staggering numbers. 

Sergeant Colton Levi Derr suffered with PTSD following his combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.  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 is our responsibility as a community to support our warriors and your assistance is greatly appreciated. 

Gallantly Forward Gala - 2018

For Immediate Release: Sunday, October 7, 2018

CONTACT: Jerry W. Derr 


 For Immediate Release: Sunday, October 7, 2018

CONTACT: Jerry W. Derr 


 Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation ‘Gallantly Forward Gala’

Rapid City, SD—The Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) announces their 5th annual ‘Gallantly Forward Gala’ in support of  Veterans.  The event will be held on Saturday,  October 20, 2018 at The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center—LaCroix Hall, Rapid City, SD.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and event ceremonies kick-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 will feature a social hour, dinner, guest speakers, silent/live auction, and live music. The event’s main speakers are First Sergeant Andrew MacVey, United States Army along with former Sergeant John Thomas, United States Army.  The Master of Ceremonies (MC) will be Dr. Julie Ertz, and opening ceremonies covered with engaging music by The Starfellows: 2 brothers—1 piano.   

If unable to attend the event, the SCLDF asks that you consider either sponsoring a veteran in your stead or donating an item for the silent/live auction.  All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.  

Founded in 2012, the SCLDF is steadfast in its three-fold mission of support: provide advocacy, assistance, and public awareness for the struggles veterans face when they return from deployments. Present day soldiers often face more than one deployment throughout their military careers. While on these deployments, soldiers have an overall mission. They 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.  Sergeant Colton Levi Derr succumbed to suicide on 28 APR 2012 following his Afghanistan mission. The SCLDF honors Colton by assisting his fellow veterans and their families and respectfully asks the community to become involved in this battle. 


“Gallantly Forward GALA’

 For Immediate Release: Sunday, 9 October 2016  

CONTACT: Jerry W. Derr

Rapid City, SD- Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) announces their Annual Gala in support of veterans on Saturday, 22 October.  The gala fundraiser will be held at The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center - LaCroix Hall, in Rapid City, SD.  Doors will open at 5 p.m. with event ceremonies kicking off at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. 

Dr. Julie Ertz will MC the evening and former U.S. Army Captain Neil Fotre is the night’s main speaker. The gala which will feature a social hour, dinner, a silent/live auction and music from Orion Potter and Mark Williams. A business evening attire is recommended but not required.

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.

Come join us for the evening and honor our heroes. Help us raise awareness about the issues facing our warriors: PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), veteran suicide, homelessness, multiple deployments and the effect they have on our veterans and their families. 

Why do we fight to stop the 20+ veterans who succumb to suicide every day? Sergeant Colton Levi Derr suffered with Post 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 Calvary Division completed over 500 combat missions. Six weeks after returning stateside from his Afghanistan mission - Colton succumbed to suicide.

Colton’s father, Jerry Derr states, “Deployments find mission, duty and camaraderie.  Coming home does not always mean peace, but often reveals confusion, turmoil, anger, depression and isolation.”

 

Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation “Gallantly Forward Gala’

For Immediate Release: Sunday, 18 October 2015  
CONTACT: Jerry W. Derr  / 605-545-2505

We invite you to our annual gala in support of veterans on Saturday, 24 October 2015.  Help us raise awareness about the issues facing our warriors: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), veteran suicide, homelessness, multiple deployments and the effect they have on our veterans and their families.  Veterans from the Black Hills area will be in attendance and your presence and community support will be met with much respect.  If you can’t attend our event, we ask that you consider sponsoring a veteran in your stead.

The gala fundraiser will be held at The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center - LaCroix Hall, Rapid City, SD. Doors will 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.  The evening will feature a social hour, dinner, a silent/live auction and music from The Potter Family.  A business evening attire is recommended but not required. 

Dr. Julie Ertz will MC the evening and active duty U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Stephen Daniel is the night’s main speaker. SSG Daniel is currently stationed at Fort Bragg with 5th Battalion/ Special Warfare Training Group in language school as a part of entry training for psychological operations.  Married with three sons; SSG Daniel and his wife Crystal have experienced multiple deployments since his Army enlistment in 2006. 

Why do we fight to stop the 22+ veterans who succumb to suicide every day? Sergeant Colton Levi Derr suffered with Post 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 Calvary Division completed over 500 combat missions. Colton succumbed to suicide on April 28, 2012 following his Afghanistan mission.  

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.  Colton’s father, Jerry Derr states, “Deployments find mission, duty and camaraderie.  Coming home does not always mean peace, but often reveals confusion, turmoil, anger, depression and isolation.”

We honor Colton by assisting his fellow veterans and their families and respectfully ask that you become involved in this battle.

For more information: www.sergeantderrfoundation.org  

Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation 5K Walk/10K Run

 For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 17, 2015

CONTACT: Haley Derr 

Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation 5K Walk/10K Run

Caputa, SD - Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) announces its 3rd Annual Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation 5K Walk/10K Run in support of veterans on Sunday, July 5.  The 5K Run/10K walk will be held at Founders Park in Rapid City.  Registration to start at 0830 HRS.  Run to commence at 0900 HRS. The price is $20 per runner, kids 10 and under are free. There will be prizes and awards after the run.  Proceeds to benefit SCLDF. 

Come join us for the day and honor our heroes. Help us raise awareness about the issues facing our warriors: PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), veteran suicide, homelessness, multiple deployments and the effect they have on our veterans and their families.

  • To pre-register for the run, please fill out the registration form at the following link.  http://www.sergeantderrfoundation.org/registration/
  • For more information about the run please contact Haley Derr at 605-209-2308 or at haley@sergeantderrfoundation.org

2015 KC's Charity Golf Tournament

 For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 27, 2015

CONTACT: Haley Derr 

2015 KC's Charity Golf Tournament

Caputa, SD - Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) announces its participation in the Knights of Columbus St. Therese Council 8025 charity golf tournament in support of veterans on Saturday, June 27.  The charity golf tournament will be held at Fountain Springs Golf Course.  Tournament to start at 8 a.m. The tournament will be a 4-man scramble.  The price is $85 per player and your team must be registered in advance.  Proceeds to benefit SCLDF.

Come join us for the day and honor our heroes. Help us raise awareness about the issues facing our warriors: PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), veteran suicide, homelessness, multiple deployments and the effect they have on our veterans and their families.

  • To register your team for the tournament, please fill out the registration form at the following link.  http://www.sergeantderrfoundation.org/registration/
  • For more information about the tournament please contact Haley Derr at 605-209-2308 or at haley@sergeantderrfoundation.org

Sergeant Colton Levi Derr 1st Annual Gala

 For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 14, 2014  

CONTACT: Jerry W. Derr 

  1st Annual Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation Gala 

Caputa, SD  - The Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) announces their 1st Annual Gala in support of veterans on Saturday, Oct. 25.  The gala fundraiser will be held at The Central States Fair Grounds (Rapid City) in the Fine Arts building. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with event ceremonies kicking off at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. 

Dr. Julie Ertz will host and retired U.S. Army SFC Troy Spear is the night’s main speaker. The gala will feature a social hour, dinner, a silent/live auction and a dance with live music by Brandon Jones and The Thirsty Fish.  A business evening attire is recommended but not required.  

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. 

Sergeant Colton Levi Derr suffered with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (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, US Army 1st Calvary Division completed over 500 combat missions. Six weeks after returning stateside from his Afghanistan mission - Sergeant Derr succumbed to suicide. 

Colton’s father, Jerry Derr states, “Deployments find mission, duty and camaraderie.  Coming home does not always mean peace, but often reveals confusion, turmoil, anger, depression and isolation. To end the pain - an estimated 22+ veterans and one active duty soldier succumb to suicide every day.”  

Come join us for the evening and honor our heroes. Help us raise awareness about the issues facing our warriors: PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), veteran suicide, homelessness, multiple deployments and the effect they have on our veterans and their families.