Local Veterans’ Organizations join forces to honor this nation’s latest Generation of Veterans

Steel City Vets, Veterans Breakfast Club and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. are proud to announce a joint event titled “Out of the Foxhole – Celebrating Post-9/11.  Veterans and Military Families” to be held at Soldiers & Sailors on Sunday, February 23, 2014 from 1:00-4:00pm. The event is aimed at connecting Pittsburgh area veterans from the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Out of the Foxhole” will be held in the ballroom at the historic Soldiers & Sailors and will feature a keynote address from Command Sergeant Major (ret) Bart Womack. CSM (ret) Womack is the author of the recently released book Embedded Enemy, which gives readers a first-hand account of the soldier-onsoldier attack that occurred at Camp Pennsylvania in Kuwait on March 22, 2003. This attack occurred just days before the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) was scheduled to invade Iraq and resulted
in the death of two service members and the wounding of 12 others.

Among those killed was Army Captain Chris Seifert who was a native of Easton, PA, and served as part of the Brigade’s intelligence team.  CSM (ret) Womack now uses the lessons learned through his 20-plus years of service to help veterans throughout the country. He is the recipient of two Bronze Stars including one for Valor. He has served in many different roles and completed some of the toughest training the military offers. Since retiring in 2006, he has worked as a military liaison to several Hollywood films and television series. He also volunteers with many organizations that assist veterans in transitioning from the military to the civilian community.

Following CSM Womack’s address, veterans will be invited to share a story in a safe and friendly environment. Then, all guests will be welcome to tour the museum and its many exhibits on our nation’s past conflicts. CSM (ret) Womack will also have copies of his book available for sale and signing. Portions of the sale of the book will be donated to the Benjamin Seifert College Fund which was started by friends and family of Chris.

“It is with pleasure that I have the opportunity to speak to the Veterans and citizens of the great city of Pittsburgh, PA.    A native of the state is featured in the story, and I can think of no other tribute than from that of fellow Pennsylvanian's. Hard work and perseverance resonates in this town and they will quickly adapt to the sacrifices and that same perseverance that the men and women in this story exhibit. In this town people actually care. They care about honor, they care about country and they care about soldiers. In kind, this story will mean something to Pittsburgh.” said CSM Womack.

The cost of this event is $5 per person, a low price made possible by a grant from the Veterans Support Foundation and Steel City Vets, and hosted by Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum. Guests can pay at the door. Parking will be available for $5 in the Soldiers & Sailors Parking Garage which is located on Bigelow Boulevard between 5th Ave and O 'Hara St.; street parking will also be available. Copies of the book, Embedded Enemy, can be purchased at the event for $15. Those interested in attending should make reservations by contacting Todd DePastino at the Veterans Breakfast Club at 412-623-9029 or todd@veteransbreakfastclub.com    For more information, please go to http://www.steelcityvets.com/events/foxhole.html

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