A True Hero – Part VIII

Just a little update on Sgt. Rafael Peralta. PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. has established the PacifiCare Freedom Award which is a annual $50,000 scholorship in honor of Sgt Peralta:

The award is a $50,000 annual scholarship to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that, according to PacifiCare Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Howard Phanstiel, "have demonstrated tremendous sacrifice and commitment to make a positive difference in our communities." The award was inspired by the heroic actions of U.S. Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta who was killed last November by enemy action in Iraq. Fighting alongside his fellow marines in Falluja, Peralta, wounded by gunshots, reached out for a grenade that was hurled by an insurgent and cradled it to his body to protect others from the blast. His heroism saved the lives of five of his fellow Marines. Touched by his story and his ultimate sacrifice, PacifiCare has dedicated the inaugural 2005 PacifiCare Freedom Award in honor of Sgt. Peralta. For this year, PacifiCare is expanding its Latino Health Scholars program to include — in addition to the 70 $2,000 scholarships the company will award this fall — two $25,000 scholarships for the most deserving bilingual and bicultural students dedicated to pursuing careers in health care. "This year, we would like to dedicate the PacifiCare Freedom Award on behalf of Sgt. Peralta and all of the men and women of the armed forces who have given their lives to promote freedom and liberty throughout the world," said Phanstiel. "Through the Latino Health Scholars program, we are looking for students who share the kinds of qualities exemplified by Sgt. Peralta, and who demonstrate the values we cherish at PacifiCare to make people's lives better. "What counts a great deal in life is what we do for others," Phanstiel added. "Sgt. Peralta's sacrifice will certainly be marked by the lives he saved and the inspiration he offers to so many others. Our contribution is small by comparison, but in the years ahead will hopefully serve to ensure this man's incredible bravery is well remembered."

I think he would be proud that his actions not only saved the lifes of his fellow soldiers but will give a kid a good start at college also. My other posts on this hero can be found here….Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6, and Part 7.