#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran David Gerardi

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is David Gerardi. David served the United States Marine Corps as a Reconnaissance Marine and sniper before joining the United States Army and becoming a weapons sergeant with the 19th Special Forces Group. On June 6, 2011 David found himself in a fierce firefight in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. After orienting to the battlefield he recognized that he could provide cover fire for a team of Marines who were pinned down by machine gun fire. Sprinting across an open field with bullets passing inches from him, he took the position and began dispatching the enemy with accurate rifle fire.

His actions that day saved an entire team of Marines and earned him the Silver Star Medal, the nations third highest award for valor.

Thank you for service, David. Semper Fi and Hooah!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service..

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.