Lettermen of the USA
Front Row (left to right): Dale Overton, Phillip Quigley, Harold McMurran (WWII), Charles Henry (WWII), Major Wooten (WWII), and Todd Boland. Back Row (left to right): Leonard Thomas, Chris Gray, Al Nash, Desmond Holoman, Darryl Fuhrman, Matthew Tankersley (JROTC), Chuck Drown (Vietnam), Otis Branon (WWII), Billy Neal (Korean War), Cornelius Bennett, and Roger Shultz.
Inaugural One Yard At A Time Gala
Feb. 8, 2019
“It was an honor to be able to take part in the inaugural One Yard at a Time Gala for Lettermen of the USA. Seeing former players, coaches, and fans of opposing colleges and universities coming together to unite in support of this great organization was very special. The opportunity to honor six American hero veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War is a memory each of us will take away from the evening and remember for the rest of our lives”
--John Lyda, operations manager of claims for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Hoover City Council member
An Evening of Inspiration
“I thought the gala was an excellent venue to recognize veterans and their families by harnessing the power and the positivity of athletic lettermen and women. At Alabama Power we are dedicated to improving our state from the ground up. That is why we choose to invest in this organization and others with a positive and productive message.”
--Mike Oakley, Sgt. Maj. (Ret) and Governmental Relations, Alabama Power
Bobby Humphrey, Al Nash, Cornelius Bennett, and Kermit Kendrick welcome guests at the inaugural One Yard At A Time gala.
[BIRMINGHAM, AL, February 8, 2019] – More than 200 people joined Lettermen of the USA (LotUSA) at the inaugural “One Yard at A Time” gala on Friday, February 8, 2019 at the Marriott Grand Bohemian Hotel, in Mountain Brook, Alabama. Money raised during the gala will be used to help fund the LotUSA mission to help veterans by providing ADA compliant home renovations, personal mobility aids, and specialized vehicles.
Honored gala guests included:
Keynote Speaker: Cornelius Bennett, five-time NFL Super Bowl competitor, and Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills and University of Alabama linebacker.
Guest Speaker: Retired Lieutenant Colonel, David F. Bonwit, Battalion Commander USMC, and Military Aide to former President, George Herbert Walker Bush, will be guest speaker.
Special Guest: Chris Gray, former NFL and Auburn University guard will be the special guest.
Cornelius Bennett described how grateful he was to be part of such an important evening by saying,"I had an amazing time speaking at the Gala and hanging out with some of the finest men to serve this beloved country! It was a great reminder of the sacrifices so many made to ensure we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have in this country."
The star-studded, patriotic event, which honored veterans from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, hosted more than 20 former college and NFL players and coaches, as well as local dignitaries such as Alabama Secretary of State, John H. Merrill and former Alabama State Senator, Tammy Irons.
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"The One Yard at a Time Gala was an outstanding event! Very seldom do you see so many former student-athletes who are committed to a cause! The commitment made by these individuals to support the veterans who are always in need of support and encouragement was truly special! It was truly a red-letter day for the Letterman of the USA! This organization’s commitment to their membership and our veterans is truly unique! I am always honored to support them."
--Alabama Secretary of State, John Merrill
Harold McMurran (WWII) and Patrick Hape (right), former Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, and University of Alabama fullback/tight end.
Alabama Secretary of State, John Merrill (left) and Cornelius Bennett (right).
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