NEWS RELESE
For Immediate Release
American Red Cross
Chicago & Northern Illinois
2200 W. Harrison St.
Chicago, IL 60612
redcross.org
Contact: Patricia Kemp
patricia.kemp@redcross.org
Office: 312-729-6225
24/7 Media Line: 312-907-0520
Adler University Faculty Member Honored by
American Red Cross with Military Award
13th Annual Heroes Breakfast is April 21 in Downtown Chicago
CHICAGO, IL (April 1, 2015) —The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois will honor Joseph
Troiani, Ph.D., with the Military Award at the organization’s 13th annual Heroes Breakfast April 21 at the
Sheraton Chicago, located at 301 E. Water Street, in downtown Chicago. To purchase tickets or for more
information call 312.729.6178 or go to www.redcross.org/il/chicago/heroes.
The Military Award is presented to an active, reserve, ROTC or retired member of the Armed Forces, or
military supporter, who acted above and beyond the call of duty. Drawing from his personal and
professional experiences from more than 30 years in the United States Naval Reserve, Dr. Troiani
developed a specialty track in Military Clinical Psychology within the Doctoral Program in Clinical
Psychology at Adler University in Chicago.
“The American Red Cross every year honors local people for their heroic actions or good deeds,” said
Fran Edwardson, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois. “Dr. Troiani
stands out in so many ways that make our community proud.”
Many members of our military suffer from post-traumatic stress during the transition to civilian life. Aware
of the need for more training in the community, Dr. Troiani developed two unique academic programs at
Adler University in Chicago. These programs provide training, with a focus on military psychology and
cultural competency to those who work with uniformed service members, veterans, and their families.
Dr. Troiani travels throughout Illinois to train medical practitioners, including physicians, nurses and other
health care professionals, on how to work specifically with veterans. In small towns like Dixon, National
Guard units have been deployed at least one time in the past few years. Yet, these towns don’t have
enough mental health resources to treat their troops when they return. That’s where Dr. Troiani is
stepping up to make a difference.
“The Military Psychology track and programs created by Dr. Troiani allows future psychologists to
specialize in serving service members, veterans and their families in ways that didn't exist in years prior,”
colleague Les Waite said. “He has a genuine concern for the care and treatment of the men and women
who serve our country.”
One of the first of its kind in the country, the track offers a core curriculum comprised of courses focused
on military culture, trauma, combat, and conflict, among others. Following its successful inauguration, Dr.
Troiani developed an online master’s degree program in Psychology with an emphasis in Military
Psychology.
Both programs aim to educate psychologists, mental health professionals, military personnel, and those
working with this population to provide services and support to the increasing number of uniform service
members who are Active Duty, Reservists, members of the National Guard, veterans and their families in
need of behavioral health services that address homelessness, substance abuse and suicide.
“Veterans represent about 20 percent of suicides and about 30 percent of the homeless population in the
United States,” Dr. Troiani said. “Not nearly enough people are trained to work specifically with military
population. Through education, we are working to solve this pressing problem.”
Honorees were selected in 11 categories such as law enforcement, youth, and nurse who have enhanced
the welfare of the community through their heroic actions. They were chosen by a committee of leaders in
the business and civic community.
CBS 2 brings its prime time anchor team to host the Heroes Breakfast once again: Rob Johnson and
Kate Sullivan, co-anchors of the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. Johnson has been the emcee of the Heroes
Breakfast for the past eight years. This marks the fifth year Sullivan has joined Johnson as co-emcee for
the event.
Presenting Sponsors for the Heroes Breakfast are Aon and Motorola Solutions Foundation. Host
Sponsors are Anixter, BMO Harris Bank, Grosvenor Capital Management, KPMG LLP, Navistar
International Corporation, and Walgreens. Hero Award Sponsors are CDW, ComEd, Fortune Brands
Home & Security, Grainger, ITW, NES Rentals, Northern Trust, PwC, and USG Corporation. Ambassador
Sponsors are Abbott, Allstate, Baxter International Corporation, Fresenius Kabi, IBM, Kirkland & Ellis
LLP, McDonald’s Corporation, TCS, UL, and United Airlines.
100 YEARS OF SERVING CHICAGO The American Red Cross is celebrating 100 years of serving
Chicago in 2015. For the past century, the Red Cross has been there for people in the Chicago area
during the moments when they needed us. Since our chapter was chartered in 1915, we have helped
millions of people affected by local disasters including home fires, floods, tornadoes and seasonal
emergencies. From health and safety classes, to lifesaving blood collection and support of military
members, their families and veterans, the Red Cross has helped make our community safer and more
prepared for what may come in the next 100 years. Join us during the 2015 Red Cross Centennial:
Volunteer, Donate, Celebrate.
SOCIAL MEDIA Our centennial web site chicagoredcross100.com highlights the past 100 years in
Chicago featuring local people and their Red Cross stories. Share your story on our web site and use the
centennial hashtag #ChicagoRedCross100 when posting to social media accounts. Receive updates on
Red Cross services, programs, centennial events and activities at @ChicagoRedCross on
Twitter and American Red Cross of Greater Chicago on Facebook.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies
about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian
aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that
depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. Follow us on
Twitter @ChicagoRedCross. For more information: www.redcross.org.
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