Vietnam veteran to speak at Hearts of Valor Ball
On Saturday, Feb. 8, The Heart Of A Marine Foundation will host its 9th annual Hearts of Valor Ball at the Marriott Schaumburg.
The Valor Ball is a celebration of military service and sacrifice, honoring all branches of the United States Armed Forces, veterans from all conflicts and presents special reverence to our KIAs, MIAs and POWs. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ty Simmons USA (ret.), a resident of Aurora, is the keynote speaker at this year’s event. Simmons served as Huey helicopter pilot in Vietnam and a Chinook helicopter pilot in Iraq.
“I met the Franks at a Marine Corps birthday celebration a couple of months ago, and they are an inspiration,” said Simmons. “It is an honor to be invited to speak at this event.”
Roy Frank, Gold Star dad and co-founder of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation added, “From the minute we met Ty, we knew we wanted him to speak at the Hearts of Valor Ball. His message is powerful, and he is a delightful person. Our guests will be moved by his experiences and passion.”
Simmons is the first Vietnam veteran to be a keynote speaker at the Hearts of Valor Ball.
“What a privilege to have Chief Simmons with us,” said Barbara Matsukes, director of marketing for the foundation. “Many of our guests are Vietnam veterans. I know he will resonate with this audience”.
The Hearts of Valor Ball is the signature fundraiser of the foundation, and equally important, the event is military centered.
“From a Marine Corps Color Guard presenting colors; a representative of the army bugling ‘mess call’ calling all to dinner; a Coast Guard chaplain leading grace and invocation; and Air Force Junior ROTC cadets honoring our Table of Remembrance, we are all about our military,” Matsukes said. “But please know, this event is open to the public. We welcome many community, civic and business leaders. All are welcome to celebrate our military with us.”
World War II veterans are always gifted guests of The Foundation.
“What a privilege to have World War II veterans with us,” stated Roy Frank, “When I think of what they saw, what they experienced, I am humbled.”
Each year The Hearts of Valor Ball welcomes home our Vietnam veterans.
“They did not have the parades or the accolades upon returning home. As long as I have breath, we will welcome them home,” said Georgette Frank.
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation is a registered 501c3 organization dedicated to serving, all branches of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. The Foundation was established in memory, honor, and spirit of Marine Lance Corporal Phillip Frank, KIA, April 2004.
For further information regarding The Heart Of A Marine Foundation, or to register for the Hearts of Valor Ball, visit www.heartofamarine.org or call (847) 621-7324.
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