NCIRE thanks our many friends, colleagues, and supporters who made our first gala benefit for veterans health research a success.
A San Francisco Giant, a veteran Marine, and a leading brain researcher were honored for their achievements by NCIRE, the Veterans Health Research Institute, at a gala event in San Francisco on Thursday, October 11.
Giants pitcher Barry Zito and Major Ted Wong, USMC Reserve, each received a 2007 NCIRE Award for Outstanding Public Service.
Lynn Pulliam, MS, PhD, Director of Research at the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) and Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), was presented with the 2007 NCIRE Award for Veterans Health Research and Leadership.
The awards were given at "Above & Beyond," the first annual NCIRE fundraising gala, before a crowd of over 350 attendees at the San Francisco Design Center Galleria.
Barry Zito was recognized for his role in founding Strikeouts for Troops, a nonprofit organization that raises money for the benefit of wounded troops and their families. In accepting the award on his behalf, Nick Swisher of the Oakland A's announced that Strikeouts for Troops has raised over $600,000 since its creation in 2004. NCIRE Executive Director Robert Obana presented the award, noting that Strikeouts for Troops' mission to bring the "comforts of home" to wounded service men and women complements the mission of NCIRE, "which is to support the medical research that hopefully will speed the recovery of those who have been wounded and whose families have come to need help."
Major Wong, who is Headquarters Company Commander of the 23rd Marine Regiment in San Bruno, Calif., was honored for his military service, tireless advocacy on behalf of the troops he commands, and long record of community service. The award was presented by Major General Michael Myatt, USMC Ret., president of the Marines Memorial Association. Myatt hailed Major Wong as a "real soldier" and thanked him on behalf of all veterans.
Dr. Pulliam was recognized for her innovative work as a biomedical researcher as well as for her role in leading the largest biomedical research program in the VA system. Her laboratory was the first in the world to identify the role of the white blood cells known as monocytes in carrying HIV infection to the brain. Dr. Pulliam received the award from SFVAMC Director Sheila Cullen, who cited her "formidable will, tireless drive, and intense dedication to excellence." Dr. Pulliam thanked the community of 250 research scientists for their work.
"Above & Beyond" was hosted by KGO-TV news anchor Cheryl Jennings, a long-time supporter of veterans' causes who hailed the "vitally important work" being conducted by NCIRE researchers.
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The number of returning war veterans who face lifelong debilitating injuries is staggering. At this critical time, they need our help.
NCIRE - the Veterans Health Research Institute supports the research efforts of world-renowned MDs and PhDs who are addressing the vital health care issues facing our soldiers. This is the largest non-profit group of scientists doing research for the VA. All are UCSF faculty.
Their research includes traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, spinal cord injury and battlefield injury to arteries and muscles.
This event is to raise funds in support of this research. Join the many creative people who have come together for this memorable evening in honor of those who have gone Above & Beyond the call of duty.
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