Spirit of Hope Award
Veteran Robi Powers, the founder and tour host of American300 Tours, recently received an unexpected phone call from the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard alerting him that he is the recipient of the U.S Coast Guard’s 2014 Spirit of Hope Award. Originally commissioned by the USO, The Spirit of Hope Award was inspired by Bob Hope’s dedication to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Since 1997, this award has been presented by the Wiegand Foundation, Inc. to distinguished Americans and organizations whose patriotism and service to the troops reflects that of the late Bob Hope.
In keeping with the spirit of the award, the Department of Defense Branches have proudly submitted nominees, annually since 2005, who have epitomized core values and the selfless spirit of Bob Hope: duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and dedication. This award signifies the tireless contributions of Robi Powers to support the Department of Defense areas of operations worldwide, especially relating to his recent efforts with the U.S. Coast Guard and most notably, the 5th Annual Wrangler® National Patriot™ Tour.
This past May, Robi and the Wrangler National Patriot team, which includes three-time World Champion PRCA bareback rider Kaycee Feild, former Miss Rodeo America Maegan Ridley, World Champion mounted shooting horse cowgirl Annie Bianco-Ellett, country music artist Lucas Hoge, retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. John Bates and Jeff Chadwick of Wrangler, traveled across Alaska for 10 days to meet with Coast Guard officers and offer their support and praise.
This is just one example of many that demonstrates the dedication Robi and American300 Tours have to bringing ‘Motivational Entertainment” to our troops. This all-volunteer organization is relentless in their effort to include resiliency in Themed Tours to bring the men and women who serve our country a piece of home and change of pace from the tensions of active duty.
From all of us at the Wrangler Network, we’d like to congratulate Robi on this outstanding achievement.
The USO Wrangler National Patriot Tour 2014.