LOS ANGELES — A group of 110 Armenians raised more than $60,000 at a “Scotch and Cigar” event to raise funds for the Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund (AWHF) on November 17, at the home of Armen and Katherine Panossian. AWHF Founders Chris Petrossian and Razmig Arzoumanian discussed progress in deploying life-saving military first-aid kits across the Artsakh front lines, and our new initiative for post trauma care and rehabilitation for our wounded warriors.
Thanks to the hosts, the Panossians, and those who donated everything, from the catering to the scotch and cigars, every dollar raised will go to help soldiers in Artsakh who have been wounded in the line of duty.
Funds will also help Sargis Stepanyan and other heroes to new, inspiring victories.
The gathering featured a moving video address by war hero Maj. Sargis Stepanyan, who lost both legs and his right arm during a special operations mission in 2014. (Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmkPYrKa4oM)
Despite his triple-amputations, Stepanyan was in Rumia, Poland, competing for the World Arm-Wrestling Championship with his left arm. During his video message, taped prior to the competition, he promised to win the world cup, and within days of the event in LA, he over-delivered and was crowned World Champion with two gold medals and one silver medal for Armenia (across three competition classes). (Watch one of his crushing victories over more advantaged competitors (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9gVSjshqqw).
The Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to serving Armenia’s heroes, standing with them through challenging times, saving lives, and supporting the rehabilitation of our wounded heroes who have sacrificed all for our homeland.
