Rick Romley receives Unsung Hero Award.

DAV's Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year for 2001 Richard M. Romley praised the DAV in accepting LIFE's Presidential Unsung Hero award during a festive gala Nov. 10 in Washington, D.C.

"Much of the history of our nation is reflected in the DAV," Mr. Romley said. "On this, the eve of Veterans Day, many of us remember those who sacrificed for this country. We know the ones who sacrificed. Tonight is not for me. It is for them."

"We are very proud that DAV Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year Rick Romley was selected to receive LIFE's Presidential Unsung Hero Award," said DAV National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. "He truly exemplifies how veterans can heroically overcome their disabilities to lead lives of significant contribution. Rick is a credit to all disabled veterans, and his life of achievement honors all of us."

LIFE Foundation Chairman Lois Pope presented the fifth annual award to Mr. Romley before a gathering that packed the Ronald Reagan Center in Washington. "Each disabled veteran brings honor and nobility to our country," she said in presenting the award.

Mr. Romley, a combat-disabled Vietnam veteran, lost both legs and suffered other severe injures when he stepped on a land mine in April 1969. Following recuperation and rehabilitation, he was introduced to the DAV after returning home, and the DAV became an important part of his life. He went on to earn degrees from Arizona State University and is recognized today as a leader in criminal justice and community improvement-related issues. He is serving his fourth term as the Maricopa County Attorney in Arizona.

"I personally will never forget the DAV for what they did for me," Mr. Romley said. "It was scary. The DAV provided the psychological support I needed. Not only for me, but for the millions [of disabled veterans] before me."

"We must never forget those who have sacrificed so much," he said. "They have protected our freedoms." Mr. Romley noted that one of his three sons is a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and at the time was stationed aboard a ship in the Arabian Sea near Afghanistan. While he hoped that his son would never need the DAV, Mr. Romley said he drew great comfort in knowing that the DAV would be there for his son if ever needed.

Previous recipients of the LIFE Presidential Unsung Hero Award include DAV Past National Commander Chad Colley, Roberto "Bobby" Barrera, Michael A. Naranjo, and last year's recipient, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown.

One of the highlights of the gala was DAV National Adjutant Wilson's unveiling of a gold-plated medallion being sold to help pay for the new American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. The medallion sells for $29.95. (See page 36.)

"The memorial will explicitly honor the men and women who continue to pay the price of freedom," Mr. Wilson said. "I know we are at the beginning of something very exciting for disabled veterans. It is not only important, but extremely necessary that we do this now while so many of our young men and women are in harm's way. I believe America has a solemn mission to honor our nation's disabled veterans."

The National Capital Planning Commission gave its approval Oct. 11, 2001, to a three-acre site for the memorial about two blocks west of the United States Capitol and across from the Botanic Garden. The commission action was the last of three steps required to approve the memorial's location.

Once a design for the memorial is chosen, construction using privately donated funds could begin in three years, with completion planned for the spring of 2005. The nonprofit Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation, Inc., will conduct the national fund-raising campaign. Mrs. Pope serves as the Foundation's Chairman, Adjutant Wilson serves as President, and former VA Secretary Brown serves as Executive Director.

Mrs. Pope said the memorial would honor the courage and sacrifice of those veterans disabled for life. "You will be remembered long after the guns of battle have fallen silent."

Among the many dignitaries attending the awards ceremonies and black-tie gala were Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard B. Myers.

Secretary Principi praised Mrs. Pope's leadership in creating the disabled veterans memorial. "It's a labor of love," he said.

"It is appropriate that we celebrate the life of Rick Romley on the eve of Veterans Day," Secretary Principi said. "He demonstrates that the price of our liberty is our sacrifice. The currency that pays for freedom is the service of disabled veterans to America."

Just as Mr. Romley faced a lifetime of physical adversity, Secretary Principi noted that "the battle of disabled veterans continues long after the guns have fallen silent. But disabled veterans have done more than win the battle against adversity. They encourage others with their spirit, leadership, and courage."

Gen. Myers also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of disabled veterans. "I want to salute you for what you have done for our nation," he said. "And I want to salute the LIFE Memorial Foundation for what it is doing for disabled veterans."

Turning to the nation's war against terrorism, Gen. Myers said that he was impressed with the courage, dedication, and commitment of our nation's troops. "Make no mistake about it, we will win this war. We didn't ask for this war, but we're ready to fight, and my guess is, so are you."

Gen. Myers said that too often in our nation's history disabled veterans are forgotten when wars end. He noted there were 300,000 disabled veterans following World War I. "Through their spirit, disabled veterans banded together to create the DAV," he said. "Their cause continues to be a noble one. I pledge to you and I pledge to them that all our veterans will be taken care of in the years ahead."

The nation's top military officer also pledged to work with the VA and Secretary Principi to "help our veterans in any way."

Addressing disabled veterans, Gen. Myers said, "We need you and your experience. Your service never really ends. We owe you much. Thank you, DAV for your strong, continued support for our nation's disabled veterans."

National Adjutant Wilson said he was pleased that the nation's top soldier and top veteran attended the gala to honor disabled veterans. "Our nation is again experiencing dangerous times," he said. "It is gratifying to know that the service of our veterans during the dangerous times of the past are both remembered and honored."