Parker, CO (June 19, 2011) -- The Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the Office of Warrior and Family Support, COL David W. Sutherland, will address the audience at Project Sanctuary's Annual Gala on August 27, 2011.

Colonel David W. Sutherland was commissioned an Infantry Officer in 1983 and holds a Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in History and Economics and a Masters in Strategic Studies. Colonel Sutherland attended all levels of military education including Airborne, Ranger, Jumpmaster, the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College, and is a Senior Service College Graduate - Advanced Operational Studies Fellowship.

He has served in staff positions at Battalion through Division. While assigned as a Brigade staff officer, he deployed to Kuwait as part of Operation Vigilant Warrior in 1994. Colonel Sutherland has also commanded at all levels from Platoon through Brigade. As a Company Commander, he deployed to Southwest Asia as part of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While commanding 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team “Greywolf,” 1st Cavalry Division, Sutherland deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Colonel Sutherland served as the Coalition Force Commander in Diyala Province from October 2006 – December 2007 which included surge operations.

In July 2008, Colonel Sutherland was assigned to the Joint Staff as the Division Chief in J5 (Plans, Policy, and Strategy), Middle East Region. Colonel Sutherland is currently serving as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with principle focus on Warrior and Family Support.

Awards and decorations include, among others, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge Second Award, and Senior Parachutist Badge. He is also the 2008 Freedom Award recipient presented by the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation and the 2011 Meritorious Service Award recipient presented by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans for his work on behalf of returning Service Members, Veterans, Military Families, and Families of the Fallen.

Team Sutherland’s roster includes Colonel Sutherland, his wife Bonnie and their two sons, Andrew and Patrick.

We are proud and honored to have this prominent military commander as our special guest during Project Sanctuary's Gala.