Rapid City, SD—The Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) announces their 7th annual ‘Gallantly Forward Gala’ in support of Veterans. The event will be held Saturday, October 17, 2020 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.
The gala event will feature a social hour, dinner, guest speakers, silent/live auction, and live music. The event’s main speaker is Colonel Siegfried Ullrich, United States Army.
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 one 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 Derr succumbed to suicide on April 28, 2012 following his Afghanistan mission. The SCLDF honors Colton by
assisting his fellow veterans and families.
Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. Business evening attire is recommended, but not required. 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.
For more information about the Gala, contact Jerry W. Derr at (605) 545-2505 /[email protected] or visit www.sergeantderrfoundation.org.
