Description

We cordially invite you to our 9th annual ‘Gallantly Forward Gala’ to be held on Saturday, 15 October 2022 at The Monument in Rapid City.  Please join our resolve to raise awareness about the demons our warriors battle: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). 

The gala event will feature a social hour, dinner, speakers, engaging music by the Starfellows (2 Brothers -1 Piano) and a silent/live auction. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with event ceremonies kicking off at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. If you can’t attend, we ask that you consider sponsoring a veteran in your stead, or donate an item for the silent/live auction. 

The invisible wounds of war can be more deadly than the battlefield. As part of our awareness efforts, we have been filming a documentary (Coming Home) which allows our veterans and their families to share the impacts of PTSD and how they survived coming home from multiple deployments. This working project can be seen on our website.  We recently completed another segment of veteran interviews that will be premiered during our gala. These stories of survival are raw and impactful. We can all make a difference in this life with a little empathy and kindness. 

Sergeant Colton Levi Derr battled the hidden enemy of PTSD and fell to suicide on April 28, 2012. During his deployments to Iraq (1st Cavalry Division) and Afghanistan (10th Mountain Division) Colton completed over 500 combat missions.  His military leadership nicknamed him ‘Delta Derr’ because they had never seen a tougher soldier. A sentiment shared by his soldiers; he was a leader, mentor and brother to all. Though he battled PTSD during his final deployment - Colton kept the struggle to himself and appeared dauntless to his comrades. 

It’s intolerable that 20+ veterans fall to suicide every day. Founded in 2012, SCLDF is steadfast in our three-fold mission: Veteran Advocacy, Assistance, and Public Awareness of the battles our heroes face when they come home. All of our staff volunteer their time in an effort to ensure our veterans know their is HOPE.  Listening to someone in need - without judgement - is impactful.   The SCLDF is proud to provide our veterans with advocacy, financial support and targeted resources to problem-solve their individual requests.  Please join the fight. 

Very respectfully, 

Haley Austin Derr, President