Braintree, Ma. - New England Patriots star receiver Wes Welker and Purple Heart recipient U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Downing will visit students at the Falls Elementary School in North Attleboro on Tuesday, November 9th at 9:30 am to discuss the true meaning of heroism. The event will be open to the media.
The event is sponsored by Liberty Bay Credit Union and is part of LBCU's Nothing Without Effort campaign with Wes Welker.
Liberty Bay Credit Union first introduced Welker to Staff Sgt. Downing last summer and the two have been friends ever since. Michael Downing lost both of his legs after an IED exploded under his Humvee while he was on patrol in the Logar Province of Afghanistan in September 2008. Downing's incredible courage and positive outlook despite these most difficult circumstances gave Welker inspiration as he worked to return to the football field after reconstructive knee surgery.
"Sergeant Downing and the men and women like him are the true heroes," Welker says. "I want to make sure kids know that athletes like me look up to people like Mike."
Staff Sergeant Downing's 10 year-old son Jimmy is a student at the Falls Elementary School and the visit will be a special surprise for the boy. Downing's main goal in life is to simply be a good dad to his children. Although he may not be able to play catch with them the way that he once did, he still connects with them through sports.
"We want to support Mike's goal any way we can," says Liberty Bay Credit Union President and CEO Kenneth C. Dyer. "It's our way of thanking him for the sacrifices he has made for all of us."
Wes Welker will also present Sgt. Downing with a special gift on behalf of Liberty Bay Credit Union.
