Survivors of fallen troops honored at Keeneland
Staff report
Photos by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Surviving families of fallen service members attended Keeneland's Military Appreciation Day, April 22. (Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
LEXINGTON, Ky. — More than 75 survivors from of fallen active duty and reserve component service members attended Military Appreciation Day at Keeneland Racetrack on Sunday 22 April, 2012.
Maj. Gen. Tonini, Kentucky's adjutant general, visits with surviving families of fallen service member attending Keeneland's Military Appreciation Day, Sunday 22 April. (Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Sponsored by Keeneland Racetrack and coordinated by the Kentucky National Guard’s Survivor Outreach Services, the day included free admission, family activities and a buffet lunch.
The highlight of the day was being recognized in the winner’s circle.
“This was an outstanding gathering for our survivors of American heroes” said Mark Grant, SOS coordinator. “The folks at Keeneland opened their doors and their hearts to this great families and showed them what Kentucky hospitality is all about.”
Survivor Outreach Services is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors of deceased Soldiers. Members from across the Commonwealth and surrounding states took part in the day’s festivities.
“It was an honor to be part of such a great event” said David Orange, SOS coordinator. “We can never repay these survivors for the loss of their loved ones, but we can surely show them how much we care and that their sacrifices have not been forgotten.”
To find out more about Survivor Outreach Services contact:
Mark Grant, 502-413-4172 or email him at john.grant7@us.army.mil
David Orange, 502-607-1099 or e-mail him at david.orange@us.army.mil
What an excellent program, and one needed forever. Thank you for all you are doing to honor the families of our priceless fallen heroes. We can never forget all they sacrifice.