Story and photos by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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Surviving families of fallen service members attended Churchhill Down's Survivor Day at the Races, hosted by Humana Military, Sunday 4 November, 2012. Survivor Outreach Services is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors of deceased Soldiers. Members from across the Commonwealth and surrounding states took part in the day’s festivities.(Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than 500 survivors from of fallen active duty and reserve component service members attended Churchill Down's Survivor's Day at the Races on Sunday November 4, 2012.
The survivor's event was coordinated by the Kentucky National Guard’s Survivor Outreach Services and sponsored by Humana Military Healthcare Services and Churchill Downs. The day included free admission, family activities and a buffet lunch.
The highlight of the day was being recognized in the winner’s circle after the fourth race, honoring the Survivors of the Fallen.
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Surviving families of fallen service members honored in the winners circle after Churchill Down's Race for the Fallen, November 4, 2012.(Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
“This was an outstanding gathering for our survivors of American heroes” said Mark Grant, SOS coordinator. “The folks at Churchill Downs and Humana opened their doors and their hearts to this great families and showed them what Kentucky hospitality is all about. We couldn't have had this spectacular event without their combined generosity.”
This year's SOS event honored survivor families from Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky. Survivor Outreach Services is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors of deceased Soldiers.
“Giving this well deserving group a day of entertainment and horse racing is a small token for the immeasurable sacrifice their fallen loved ones made in service to our country," said Orie Mullen, president of Humana Military.
To find out more about Survivor Outreach Services contact:
Mark Grant, 502-413-4172 or email him at
john.grant7@us.army.mil
David Orange, 502-607-1099 or e-mail him at
david.orange@us.army.mil
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