Following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the Cleveland Browns created the Hats Off to Our Heroes program to recognize and salute the accomplishments and services of those in the local community.
During the Home Opener on September 13th vs. Minnesota, the Browns proudly honored members of the Wounded Warrior Project. The Wounded Warrior Project makes it their mission to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, while helping to honor and empower these wounded warriors. For more information, visit the Wounded Warrior Project website at:http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Also during the Home Opener, the Browns showed their support of the USO with a tent set up in Tailgate Terrace. There, the USO was able to interact with fans and bring awareness to their cause. For more information on the USO, visit their website at: http://www.usocleveland.org/
SSG Joseph Gross
During his 7 years of active duty in the US Army, SSG Joseph Gross showed his unwavering commitment to serving our country through his 2 deployments to Iraq. On September 14, 2005, while in Baghdad with the 10th Mountain Division; SSG Gross was injured in a suicide car bomb resulting in the loss of his right leg below the knee. Despite sustaining such a life-altering injury, SSG Gross continues to serve his country as Ohio and Pennsylvania's Area Outreach Coordinator for the Wounded Warrior Project.
LCPL Oy Rassavong
Oy Rassavong, a Marine with 3 years active duty, has made his country proud by serving in Iraq. In 2006, LCPL Rassavong was injured in Fallujah by an IED. This injury resulted in the total paralysis of the right side of his body, in addition to massive brain trauma.
LCPL Ricky Turner
A Marine with 4 years' service, LCPL Ricky Turner, served his country as a member of the 3rd Battalion 25th Marines Weapons Company stationed in Iraq. On August 1, 2006, LCPL Turner was injured by a suicide car bomb which resulted in massive shrapnel wounds, nerve damage to his right leg and left wrist, as well as the loss of his right eye.
CPL Jim Klingel
For the people of our country, CPL Jim Klingel personifies what it means to be dedicated. A member of the 1st Battalion 5th Marines, Klingel not only served in Iraq twice, but was also injured during both tours of duty. In Saddam City, on April 5, 2003, CPL Klingel was severely wounded, sustaining shrapnel wounds to his right leg, a broken arm, and complete hearing loss in his left ear. Despite his injuries, CPL Klingel returned to Iraq for his second tour, a courageous and honorable decision to say the least. During this second tour, in April 2004, an IED in Fallujah left Klingel with additional shrapnel wounds, two broken legs, and a broken back.
LCPL Lance Graves
LCPL Lance Graves, a member of the 1st Battalion 6th Marines, has served his country twice in Iraq. He was first deployed to Fallujah in 2005, then again to Ramadi in 2006. On December 19, 2006, LCPL Graves was injured by an IED, resulting in shrapnel wounds to his entire face. Consequently, LCPL Graves now has limited vision in his left eye as well as complete vision loss in his right eye.
SGT Chris Ritchey
SGT Chris Ritchey of the US Army Reserves proudly served his country through two deployments to Iraq. In 2007, in Alanbar, SGT Ritchey was injured by an IED, resulting in a spinal cord injury.
SSG Jessica Clements
SSG Jessica Clements served our country in the Army Reserves for 10 years where she drove fuel trucks. A member of the 706th Transportation Unit out of Mansfield, Ohio, SSG Clements and her unit were deployed to Taji, Iraq in December 2003. Once in Iraq, her mission was to supply fuel to the units to ensure their successful operation. On May 5, 2004, SSG Clements was injured by an IED, resulting in severe brain trauma caused by shrapnel which now leaves her with migraines and seizures. Despite her injuries, SSG Jessica Clements continues on with life with an unbeatable attitude, proclaiming, "I'm alive and lovin' it!"
