The men and women of the military, along with their families, have made many sacrifices for our freedom. V100 and Prairie Band Casino & Resort are saying thank you to vets, and those currently serving, with our monthly Salute to the Military. Each month we’ve selected a story and feature it on the website and hand over $100 in Prairie Band Cash to them and their family. This month we have 3 military heroes.

In Rick Heusted’s first (of three) tours, his HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) was hit by an RPG (rocket propelled grenade) which blew through his truck injuring 2 members of his team including himself. It split his Kevlar helmet cutting his head open delivering shrapnel all through out his head and neck. Richard then got four others out of the very unsafe bombed vehicle without allowing his injuries to stop him. 10 yrs, 3 tours served. Rick is now a Topeka Police Department Officer. The below is a picture of his helmet from that near fatal event.

William H. Senne joined the Marines at the age of 17 and landed in Vietnam on his 18th birthday. He received 2 purple hearts while fighting there. He came home to the awful treatment that Americans gave to those who were fighting for our freedom and was spit on at the airport. Despite all the bad feelings he is still Marine proud.

Amanda Davis is a dedicated military mom, wife, sister, aunt, and daughter. She is also an active member in her community and church, being the one that organizes the Community Thanksgiving here in Topeka at the Expocentre. If that isn’t enough, she is also a National Guard full time and her husband is as well.