Price of Freedom Gala 2020

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The Price of Freedom Gala is a military-inspired evening to benefit the Joshua Chamberlain Society's efforts to provide aid for severely wounded military service members and the families of killed-in-action members of our military. The evening will honor our current JCS heroes while raising funds that will allow us to support additional heroes.

For more information on the Joshua Chamberlain Society, please click here.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please click here.

Keynote Speaker: Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch

Nick "Gunny Pop" Popaditch is a living Marine Corps legend who was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star for gallantry in Iraq in 2004. He also gained fame as "The Cigar Marine" after appearing in an AP photograph by photographer Laurent Rebours with a cigar in his mouth and a statue of Saddam Hussein in the background as his unit helped topple the statue in Firdos Square, Baghdad, Iraq on April 9, 2003.

During his second deployment to Iraq, Gunnery Sergeant Popaditch was assigned as a tank commander. While on patrol in Fallujah, Fox Company came under heavy enemy fire. Pinned down, the Marines needed a distraction. Popaditch charged directly into the city, penetrating several blocks and drawing the enemy fire away from the pinned-down Marines. Using the distraction to their advantage, Fox Company was able to gain a foothold in the city and evacuate a wounded Marine.

The enemy forces engaged Popaditch's tank section for hours, launching RPGs one after the other. Popaditch requested air support from an AC-130, but there was a problem. The gunship's crew could not see the enemy well enough to deliver an accurate strike. Opening the tank's hatch so he could get a better view, and with complete disregard for his safety Popaditch moved his tank even further, successfully drawing more of the enemy's fire. In the process, an RPG round struck him in the head, blinding and deafening him. But the maneuver worked. The enemy was now in complete view of the gunship, which score a direct hit, totally wiping out the hostile force.

Popaditch struggled to maintain consciousness until his tank was moved out of danger, then was medivaced to Germany. After a prolonged stay, he was sent back to the United States, ultimately losing his right eye (due to damage to the optic nerve) and hearing in his right ear. On November 10, 2005, he was awarded the Silver Star for actions in combat.

The event will be held on April 4, 2020 at the Union Station St. Louis (1820 Market Street), from 6:00-11:30 P.M. The formal evening will include silent and live auctions, a seated dinner, and a premium open bar.

Dress Code: Cocktail Attire (Suits and Ties)

To book a hotel room at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton at the $131.00 event rate, click here or please call (314) 231-1234 and mention "Price of Freedom Gala".

The Joshua Chamberlain Society ("JCS") is a grass roots 501(c)(3) federally tax exempt charity that was formed with the mission of providing long term support for Fallen and Wounded Military Heroes.

Our unique mission is that we adopt, in the truest meaning of that word, these veterans or the family of these deceased veterans, and commit to provide support for the long term. 5, 10, 20 or more years after the serviceman or woman has suffered grievous and permanent injuries, the veteran or their family will know that the citizens in their community still honor and recognize their enormous sacrifice for our freedoms. As their injuries or death is permanent, so is the support that we provide.