Purple Heart Recipient to Receive the American Patriot Award at Anaheim Ducks NHL Hockey Game

March 8, 2011 - PRLog -- A spokesman from The American Patriot Program (TAPP) has announced that Purple Heart recipient and Staff Sergeant Octavio Sanchez, USMC (Ret) has been selected to receive the American Patriot Award.

Sanchez will be presented with the American Patriot Award before an Anaheim Ducks NHL hockey game on March 20th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

The Anaheim Ducks battle the Calgary Flames for a 5:00 pm Sunday evening tilt.  The Patriot Pleasantry presentation is set to begin about 3:30 pm while the American Patriot award ceremony begins shortly before the puck drop on the ice.

The Anaheim Ducks are TAPP's fifth Operation Fire and Ice tour spot of the 2010-2011 NHL season and Staff Sergeant Octavio Sanchez is only the third Californian to have been selected to receive TAPP's national level award presented to Purple Heart recipients of the United States Armed Forces.

Staff Sergeant Sanchez suffered third degree burns over 70 percent of body and facial areas in 2005 when a makeshift roadside bomb detonated at his location in Ramadi, Iraq while he was serving as a squad leader with the 5th Marines Charlie Company.

Sanchez was nominated for the American Patriot Award by Operation Military Embrace president Jerry Reed.  Reed stated, "In Iraq, Staff Sergeant Octavio Sanchez played a key role in setting a yet elevated standard for Marines following in his large footsteps of honor, courage and commitment to emulate."  

Jerry Reed also emphasized how warriors like Octavio Sanchez are part of a great history of valor in their service to the United States Armed Forces, saying, "In WW-I Dan Daly and the Marines distinguished themselves at Belleau Wood; in WW-II it was at Iwo and Guadalcanal; in Korea it was at the Punch Bowl and the 'Frozen Chosin' Reservoir; in Vietnam it was Tet and Hue City and today it is Iraq & Afghanistan."

TAPP pleasantry partner MWC Enterprises of Canby, Oregon produces clothing and apparel for American Patriot Award recipients.  MWC Enterprises owner George Rivas is attending his first TAPP honor event.

Rivas stated, "To be able to recognize the efforts of Octavio Sanchez, a true American hero is indeed a privilege.  The sacrifices he has made deserve the respect and gratitude of our entire nation."

Our Heroes Journey is taking part in their second American Patriot Honor Event.  Our Heroes Journey's Kelly Luisi is profoundly moved by the opportunity to represent the American Patriot Program at the Honda Center on March 20th.  

Luisi stated that it was the duty of Our Heroes Journey to render honor to the Sanchez family as TAPP's official 'boots on the ground' for the March 20th honor event.  

Luisi mentioned, "being in the presence of a true American hero that has sacrificed so selflessly for the freedom and liberation of others is truly an honor."  

In 2010 Luisi, led the charge to recognize Gunnery Sergeant Blaine Scott and Sergeant Richard Gonzales with the American Patriot Award before a San Diego Padres major league baseball game in San Diego.

To purchase tickets for the Anaheim Ducks hosted American Patriot honor event please visit the official website of the Anaheim Ducks at http://ducks.nhl.com/.  

To learn more about the American Patriot Program or upcoming events please visit TAPP's official website at www.tapp.kk5.org.

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The American Patriot Program is comprised of a group of nine volunteer organizations joined through America's Favorite National Pastime and the great sport of American ice hockey to honor combat wounded American Veterans.