Past Recipients. Stories of Hope.

A Gold Star Mother’s Strength: Honoring the Legacy of Corporal Kareem Khan

A Story of Sacrifice, Love, and Renewal In Laurel, Maryland, a powerful act of community and compassion has brought new light to a family forever marked by sacrifice. Operation Raise the Roof proudly honored Gold Star Mother Elsheba Khan , whose son, Corporal Kareem Rasha Sultan Khan , gave his life in service to the United States at just twenty years old Kareem’s story began when the tragic events of September 11, 2001 ignited in him a deep sense of duty. At only fourteen,

Brian Bauer

The Persevering Faith of Private Joshua Vaughan

Spruce Pine, NC – April 25, 2025 At 35 years old, Private Joshua Vaughan stands as a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering faith. Born with a calling to serve, Joshua embarked on his journey into the U.S. Army immediately after high school, driven by a deep sense of duty that had guided him from a young age. A Calling to Serve In May 2008, Joshua left for basic training at the then-named Fort Benning in Georgia (now Fort Moore ). His goal was to become

Brian Bauer

Honoring Korean War Veteran Bill Sutton

Edgewater, MD – At 94 years young, Bill Sutton recalls his service with amazing clarity. He joined the Navy ROTC program at Penn State. He remembers, almost comically, the day he got his papers, recalling “About July 4th, I was hitchhiking back to school and my roommate was coming the other way with his suitcase. I said Larry… where you going? He said "I'm going in the Army and so are you and the notices were on the table”. After joining the Navy, Bill was transferred to the

Brian Bauer