MD Veteran Honored With Donation From Ford, NFL Hall Of Fame

BOWIE, MD — Weeks before Memorial Day, a Bowie veteran earned recognition and a donation for his 16 years in the military. Retired U.S. Staff Sgt. Charles Eggleston served multiple tours in Iraq, where he was injured in combat. Eggleston underwent 60 surgeries and spent three years recovering at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.

In partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Ford Motor Company inducted Eggleston into the Ford Proud to Honor Hall of Heroes. NFL Hall of Famer and University of Maryland standout Randy White knocked on Eggleston's door to thank him for his service and deliver the news. Ford announced the award on May 14.

Along with his time in the service, Eggleston was also a board member of Blue Star Families for 11 years. Eggleston's wife Pam co-founded the organization, which strengthens military families and connects Americans to the armed forces. Ford will donate $10,000 to Blue Star Families in honor of the Eggleston's.

"Blue Star Families demonstrates values shared at the Pro Football Hall of Fame – commitment, integrity and courage," stated David Baker, president and CEO of the Hall of Fame. "Staff Sgt. Eggleston has dedicated himself to the board of directors at Blue Star Families, helping the organization unite military families with their communities."

Eggleston is a third-generation service member. His father fought in Vietnam, and his grandfather is a World War II veteran.

The Marylander is now the third inductee of the Hall of Heroes. The first honoree, Kathy Roth-Douquet, was the founder of Blue Star Families. The second awardee was Retired U.S. Army Special Forces Master Sgt. Steve Grewell.

"At Ford, we believe in caring for each other," added Andrew Frick, Ford's vice president of sales in the U.S. and Canada. "The work Charles and Pam are doing to support military families and help them thrive in the face of unique challenges is a perfect example of our values and it’s vital in keeping our country strong."

Head to ford.com/proud-to-honor to learn more about the company's military outreach.

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