ESPYS Pat Tillman Award for Service given to Kirstie Ennis

This year’s Pat Tillman Award for Service sponsored by Mass Mutual will be awarded to former Marine Corps Sergeant, Kirstie Ennis, at the 2019 ESPYS on July 10.

“After being medically retired from the Marine Corps due to my injuries sustained overseas, I have dedicated my life to serving others in a different way,” Ennis said in a statement. “To receive the Pat Tillman Award and to be associated with a true American hero is a tremendous honor. It has taken a village to get me to this point in my life, and I would not be where I am now without the amazing people surrounding me. To me, this is a symbol of community and what it means to pay it forward.”

Following a helicopter crash in 2012 while on active duty in Afghanistan, Ennis endured dozens of surgeries, including the amputation of her left leg. Upon her recovery, Ennis dedicated herself to exceeding expectations working as a veteran’s advocate and competing as an adaptive athlete in extreme sports. She established the Kirstie Ennis Foundation to provide education and opportunity in the outdoors and to support other nonprofits dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals and families.

“Pat lived his life with passion and conviction, driving forward in the face of any obstacle that crossed his path,” says Marie Tillman Shenton, Board Chair and Co-founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation. “I see that same drive and courage in Kirstie as she continues to push the limits and achieve her best. We are proud to present the Tillman Award to Sgt. Kirstie Ennis for her service and leadership.”

The Pat Tillman Foundation is grateful to Mass Mutual for presenting the Pat Tillman Award for Service and helping in our mission to unite and empower remarkable military service members, veterans and spouses as the next generation of leaders.

Watch the ESPYS live on Wednesday, July 10, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.