The late Gary Papa has been awarded the Inspirational Hero Award by the Wish Upon A Hero Foundation. The award is given to people who bring awareness and support for a cause. Gary receives the Inspirational Hero Award for helping found a local prostate cancer fundraiser called Run 4 Your Life. Gary has been an inspirational leader in the Philadelphia community for over 20 years. Congratulations to Gary and his family.

On October 7th, 2009 Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth W. Westbrook, 41, of Shiprock, N.M., died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., of wounds suffered Sept. 8 when insurgents attacked his unit in the Ganjigal Valley, Afghanistan, using small arms and indirect fire. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.

Kenneth is husband to Charlene (Wish Upon A Hero member Tos) and father to 3 boys. Charlene has granted almost 600 wishes and is a hero herself. Charlene writes, "He loved his country and being a soldier but the number one thing he loved most were his three sons. He loved receiving the surprises being sent from our WUAH family and would be so happy to report how he shared the boxes with everyone. I will miss my best friend. I know with prayers and God I can make it through this difficult time, I have to. I need to be strong for our three sons, Ken made me promise to do that. I am so honored to have been married to a career soldier with a courageous soul who fought so hard to the end."

You can make a donation in memory of Sgt Kenneth W. Westbrook to the Wish Upon A Hero Foundation, click here. Please make a note in the special instructions area that the donations are for Sgt Westbrook. All donations will be use to grant a wish for some other military family in need.