Dream Foundation to Grant Final Dream of Gulf War veteran on the 10th anniversary of 9/11
SANTA BARBARA, CA – September 8, 2011 – Dream Foundation – the first and largest national wish-granting organization for adults and their families suffering life-threatening illness – will fulfill Ernest Mulvey’s dream to share with his family the importance – and selflessness – of America’s military.
The 49-year-old Lake Elsinore resident has dedicated his life to serving his country. He served 10 years in the U.S. Army and six in the Air Force, including three deployments and two tours in Iraq during the Persian Gulf War. Currently an officer in the Army Reserve, Mulvey is also losing his battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Only one year after his initial diagnosis, he has lost his ability to speak, and is confined to a wheelchair. He has been given two months to live.
While the cause of Mulvey’s condition is unknown, a 2004 study by the American Academy of Neurology found that men who served in the military were 60% more likely to develop ALS than those who did not.
On Sunday, September 11, Dream Foundation will bring Mulvey and his family to San Diego, where they’ll receive a special American Legion motorcycle escort – comprised of motorcycle enthusiasts and patriotic veterans – to a Cardiff tribute event, marking the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Host, Congressman Brian Bilbray, will welcome Mulvey publicly, share his story, and acknowledge his many years of dedicated service.
As Mulvey wrote last month in his letter to Dream Foundation, “I always tell my girls to strive to do their best, never give up or quite. There are days when I don’t want to get out of bed, but I always do in spite of the pain. I want to live show my girls that I practice what I preach, and set an example to them to make the best of what life has to offer in spite of the difficulties or setbacks.”
According to Dream Foundation founder, Thomas Rollerson, Mulvey’s dream helps remind us that – even in times of war – not all casualties occur on the battlefield. “We and honored to serve Ernest and his family, and fulfill his final dream.”
The Mulvey family’s itinerary for the morning of September 11th is as follows:
- 8:40 a.m. – Depart La Quinta Inn, 641 Camino del Rio South, San Diego
- 9:10 a.m. – Arrive American Legion Post 416, 210 West F. St., Encinitas (corner of F St.
& 2nd Ave.) – There will be a prayer, the pledge of allegiance and briefing of the morning’s events - 9:40 a.m. – Kickstands Up! American Legion riders will provide the family with a motorcycle escort (approx. 5 min. drive) to the following:
- 10th Anniversary Tribute to Remember Our Fallen Firefighters & Law Enforcement Officers Hosted by Congressman Brian Bilbray & Carlsbad Firefighters Association South Cardiff State Beach parking lot, South Highway 101, Cardiff
- 10:00 a.m. – Ceremony begins (will last approx. one hour) – Congressman Bilbray will publicly acknowledge Mulvey’s presence in the audience