AW2 Veteran Derek Duplisea, his Family, and Raytheon and The Arizona Daily Star employees during the 40 Under 40 award ceremony, October 15, 2009. (Photo courtesy of Joe Jackson, Jr.)
AW2 Veteran Derek Duplisea was presented with the 40 Under 40 award in Tucson, AZ, on October 15, 2009.
The annual 40 Under 40 awards are presented to 40 of Tucson’s young community leaders by The Arizona Daily Star and presenting sponsor Snell & Wilmer LLP. Nominations highlighted their professional accomplishments, charitable work, and leadership skills. This year’s theme was 40 Under 40: A ‘Get It Done’ Generation.
Duplisea, Project Manager and Wounded Warrior Liaison for the Raytheon Missiles Systems (RMS) Wounded Warrior Program, supports what they call Operation Phoenix (RMS Military Relations). As part of his job duties, Duplisea has visited all four wounded warrior programs within the military and met with the local Department of Veterans Affairs, Transition Assistance Programs, Army Career and Alumni Program, and Warrior Transition Unit representatives. Duplisea attends military career fairs, develops the RMS Wounded Warrior Program, and spreads the word to other Raytheon companies.
“I will continue to do my best for Veterans, wounded warriors, and Family members as we enter the second year for Operation Phoenix—and not just for Missile Systems, but for all Raytheon business units and corporate,” said Duplisea.
In August 2006, SFC Duplisea was severely wounded while conducting a traffic control point when a suicide bomber detonated herself five feet behind him. Duplisea almost lost his right arm and suffered a shattered right femur, a severe traumatic brain injury, shrapnel wounds, and burns.
To read more about Duplisea and the 40 Under 40 award, visit: http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/specialreports/312901.
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