Scalise to Present Veteran with Replaced Medals during ‘Academy Day’

Peter Gomez, a WWII Veteran, lost medals in Hurricane Betsy

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise today announced that during his Academy Day on Saturday, he will also be presenting Peter Gomez, a resident of Slidell and Army Veteran, with some medals that he lost in Hurricane Betsy. Scalise’s office helped obtain the replacement medals that were lost in the storm.

“Peter Gomez is a true American hero and I am proud to be able to honor him during Academy Day and present him with the medals he lost during Hurricane Betsy,” Scalise said. “I’m very honored that such a decorated veteran will be able to join me and the young men and women who are interested in attending a military academy and serving our country.”

 Scalise will present Gomez with the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Sharp Shooter Badge with rifle bar, the Combat Infantry Badge award, and the Honorable Service Lapel button, all from his service in WWII.

The Purple Heart is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for bravery.

Academy Day
Saturday, September 20th
10 am -12 pm (9:30 Registration)
*11 am ceremony honoring Peter Gomez

St. Tammany Parish Library
555 Robert Blvd.
Slidell

Academy Day allows high school students to learn about each of the five service academies: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY; and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. Representatives from each of the academies will be present at the event to answer any questions. Students will also learn about the Congressional nomination process. 

For more information about Academy Day, please contact Danielle Evans in Congressman Scalise’s Mandeville District Office at 985-893-9064 or danielle.evans@mail.house.gov.

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Contact: Luke Bolar
202-226-4309