NRA Country and Military Warriors Support Foundation presented homes to three combat wounded heroes May 21, 2016, at the "NRA Presents Toby Keith with special guest Chris Janson" concert at Louisville's YUM! Center, a key event during the 145th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits.
Outdoor Channel's Eva Shockey hosted the powerful moment on the main stage, which brought the crowd to their feet. Joining her on stage to present the keys was Military Warriors Support Foundation's CEO & Founder retired Lt. Gen. Leroy Sisco, and former Governor of Texas, Rick Perry. Receiving the honor were former Maj. Andrew Arola, former Spc. Frank Battiest, and former Sgt. Christopher Gray.
Arola served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy for a combined 16 years. He served his country with multiple deployments around the world and distinguished himself from his peers by his actions. In 2004, he deployed to Iraq, and while serving as an Infantry Platoon Leader, he was wounded while performing combat operations, for which he received the Purple Heart. Andrew was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his professionalism and superior leadership in preparing his men for combat operations, even willingly extending his tour of duty to support the soldiers in his command.
Battiest served in the U.S. Army for eight years. In 2006, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he served as a turret gunner in a HMMWV, or Humvee. While on combat patrol, Battiest was wounded during an enemy attack, and received the Purple Heart for those wounds. Despite his injuries, Frank recovered and rejoined his fellow soldiers in Iraq for a second tour of duty. He trained to find and defeat improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 to do just that. Frank served his country with honor and courage, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Badge, among other awards.
Gray served in the U.S. Army and the Illinois National Guard for a combined five years of faithful service. He joined to serve his country in 2002, and became part of the first units to enter Iraq in 2003. During his time in Iraq he trained locals to become police officers and soldiers in their respective forces. After his tour in Iraq, he returned to the United States, and after two years passed, he re-enlisted, and joined a unit deploying to Afghanistan. While serving in Afghanistan, he was injured while on combat patrol and received the Purple Heart for his wounds. Christopher was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze arrowhead device and four campaign stars, the Combat Action Badge and many others.
