TriWest Sponsors Congressional Medal of Honor Convention

Perpetuating the legacy of valor of our nation’s greatest heroes

PHOENIX(Aug. 31, 2007) — For the third consecutive year, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the Department of Defense’s TRICARE contractor in the 21-state West Region, is a major sponsor of the Congressional Medal of Honor Convention, held this year from Sept. 3-10 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

There are only 109 living recipients of the nation’s highest honor for valor under enemy fire, and they gather once a year to inspire and stimulate youth to become worthy citizens of our country and to foster and perpetuate Americanism.

"Wearing the Medal of Honor are common men who responded with uncommon valor and who have set examples that none of us should ever forget," said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr., a board member of the Medal of Honor Foundation. "Americans live in freedom because of our veterans’ courage, dedication to duty and love of country. Recipients of the Medal of Honor are among the bravest ever to wear our nation’s uniforms. More than ever, it is important to remember that they are this nation’s true heroes."

Since hosting the 2005 Medal of Honor Convention in Phoenix, TriWest has developed an extensive commitment to perpetuating the legacy of valor and heroism embodied by those who wear the Medal. This includes Visions of Valor a traveling exhibit featuring dramatic black and white photographs of recipients (see http://www.visionsofvalor.com/) and Legacy of Valor an initiative to place Medal of Honor, Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty books in more than 10,000 middle and high schools in 21 western states.

"We are honored by TriWest’s longstanding commitment to the Medal of Honor Society," said recipient Gary Littrell, president of the Medal of Honor Society. "TriWest’s generosity and moral support have enabled us to continue to dedicate ourselves to the service of our country and to the principles that form our heritage."

"We are delighted to welcome more than 60 of the 109 living Medal of Honor recipients to Northeast Wisconsin," proclaimed Doug LaViolette, chairman of the Wisconsin Medal of Honor Host Committee. "Their visit is truly a once in a lifetime event for the people of our community, and a rare opportunity for us to say, ‘thanks,’ in person to the men and women who helped to fight for the freedoms we enjoy."

The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation, which has presented more than 300 scholarships to deserving college-bound students, and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Kenneth Stumpf of Appleton, Wisconsin, spearheaded the effort to bring the convention to northeast Wisconsin.