10th Hearts of Valor Ball celebrates US armed forces

On Saturday, Feb. 21, The Heart Of A Marine Foundation will host its 10th annual Hearts of Valor Ball at the Marriott Schaumburg. The 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.

"We are simply thrilled to be hosting this amazing event for 10 years," stated Georgette Frank, president of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and Gold Star Mom. "We look back on all of the years with such fond memories. So many wonderful people have attended this gala."

Through the years, The Hearts of Valor Ball has become The Heart Of A Marine Foundation's signature event. Frank added, "We are so proud to have representation of all branches of our Armed Forces in attendance. We traditionally host at least one table of active duty military from each branch of the services. I think we are unique in this. And to have community leaders celebrate with us. It is so special for us."

"There will be many surprises and first time happenings at this event," said Barbara Matsukes, marketing director for The Heart Of A Marine Foundation. "We have fun photo opportunities, very special fundraisers, and the winner of our yearlong 50/50 ticket sales will be announced."

Matsukes added, "We also have a reunion of our past guest speakers. That is a great treat for us. Many are significant contributors to veterans' organizations in Washington, D.C. and accomplished authors. We are delighted to welcome them back."

This year's keynote speaker is Capt. Pete Hegseth, U.S. Army veteran. Hegseth served in Iraq with the renowned 101st Airborne Division within the 3rd Brigade as an infantry platoon leader in Baghdad, and as a civil-military operations officer in Samarra. His most recent deployment was to Afghanistan where he served as the senior counterinsurgency instructor at the Counterinsurgency Training Center in Kabul. Hegseth currently serves as the chief executive officer for Concerned Veterans for America, the largest veteran and military family organization in the United States. He routinely appears on the Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, and C-SPAN as a contributor.

Roy Frank, co-founder of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and Gold Star Dad mentioned, "We are honored to have Pete Hegseth with us this year. He is dedicated to our military, our veterans, and their causes. When I have seen him on TV, he is outspoken, forthright, and an advocate for our military. I look forward to hearing his address to our guests. I am confident it will be powerful."

The Hearts of Valor Ball welcomes the public to experience this patriotic celebration. Tickets are still available at $100 per person. To register, visit heartofamarine.org or call (847) 621-7324.

The Heart Of A Marine Foundation is a registered 501c3 organization dedicated to serving, all branches of the US armed forces, veterans and their families. The foundation is established in memory, honor, and spirit of Marine Lance Corporal Phillip Frank, KIA, April 2004.

For information regarding The Heart Of A Marine Foundation call visit www.heartofamarine.org or call (847) 621-7324.

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