A special thanks to all of our sponsors for their support of veteran's causes and of our good friend Pete!

PRESENTED BY (Company Commander: Team American Legion)

The American Legion's mission statement, as adopted by the National Executive Committee in October 2020, is: To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. Pete exemplified this mission throughout his life with his dedication to the military community.

 

PLATINUM LEVEL (Green Berets: Team Gordon)

Master Sergeant Gary Gordon is the very epitome of service and self-sacrifice. In 1993, during the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia, MSG Gordon and his fellow Delta Force sniper teammate, SFC Randy Shugart, willingly sacrificed their lives to defend the crew of a downed Black Hawk helicopter that was surrounded by an overwhelming hostile force, ultimately saving the life of its pilot. MSG Gordon and SFC Shugart were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their heroism. Pete served in the 10th Special Forces Group about two decades after Gary Gordon and, like Gordon, expressed a desire for military service in high school.

GOLD LEVEL (Rangers: Team Prince)

As a young Captain in the 6th Ranger Battalion during World War II, (Major) Robert Prince led an elite team of Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and Filipino guerillas on one of the greatest rescue missions in military history, freeing over 500 starving and sick Allied POWs and civilians held by the Japanese in dreadful conditions in a prison camp in Cabanatuan, Philippines. Fellow Rangers from different times, both Pete and Bob Prince were known for their love of history and for their kindness, generosity, and humility.

 

SILVER LEVEL (82nd Airborne: Team York)

In World War I, long before it earned its Airborne status, the 82nd “All-American” Division was home to one of America’s most decorated soldiers, “Sergeant” (Colonel) Alvin York. Pete served as an officer in the 82nd Airborne and, like Sergeant York, was a true patriot and shared a love of nature, a profound commitment to his faith, and a deep love of his family. 

 

BRONZE LEVEL (West Point: Team Dannenberg)

Pete was enchanted with the West Point area since vacationing there with his family in his youth and by his sophomore year, was determined to attend the United States Military Academy and enter a career in the Army. Pete graduated from the USMA in 1993 and his classmates continue to honor his service through their many acts of generosity in support of his wife and children since his death in June of 2021.