His example has inspired thousands through school lectures and community presentations, and through his published story in VHP’s 2011 edition of Since You Asked.™
Medal of Honor recipient, LTC (Ret.) James “Mike” Sprayberry, served as the events special guest. Mike and Frank have a special relationship. During his tour in Vietnam, Mike led a night mission in the A Shau Valley, which resulted in saving the life of Frank Lambert and others from the platoon, who were wounded and surrounded by the enemy.
With the support of the Reifschneider Family Philanthropy Fund, the Alumni Service Award was created to recognize outstanding alumni who have integrity, set goals and pursue excellence, and engage with the community by giving back. Rob Reifschneider assisted VHP Founder Barbara Hatch in presenting the award to 1st Lt. Barbara Sofia Ripa, USMC. Sofia attributes the skills of listening and asking the right questions to her experiences interviewing six veterans during her time with VHP. These skills prepared Sofia to help care for fellow Marines who were involved in the pullout from Afghanistan in August 2021.
Iain Lanphier, A 10th grade honors student at Brophy College Preparatory and great grandson of Brigadier General Charles E. McGee, an Original Tuskegee Airman who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, served as the emcee.
Proud event sponsors include Salt River Project, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, ProOne Media Productions, Plexus Worldwide, Sanderson Lincoln, and the Kiwanis Club of Carefree.
https://www.veteransheritage.org/saluting-stories-service-gala-recap
https://sssgala.shutterfly.com for photo gallery