Press Release: Resorts World Gives Salutes America's Purple Heart Heroes with Sponsorship of the 2026 Patriot Project

Multi-Day Salute Includes Concert for America’s Heroes, Other Special Tributes

NEWBURGH, NY – Resorts World Catskills and Resorts World Hudson Valley are honoring America’s combat wounded as America celebrates its 250th birthday with a $10,000 sponsorship of the 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project. The support is made possible by Resorts World Gives, the company’s philanthropic program.

The Patriot Project is presented by the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, a national non-profit that ensures the stories of those who sacrificed past and present for our nation are never forgotten.

This year’s Patriot Project honorees include more than 40 men and women selected from all branches of military service, who sacrificed for America and then went on to be leaders in their communities and professions.

“We are tremendously grateful to have the support of Resorts World for the 2026 Patriot Project. This is our chance to say ‘thank you’ to our Purple Heart heroes across every generation on behalf of a grateful nation. Resorts World’s generosity helps ensure that our heroes receive an all-expenses-paid trip of a lifetime,” said National Purple Heart Honor Mission Executive Director Colonel Russell Vernon (Ret.).

“Resorts World is proud to support the Purple Heart Patriot Project and honor the extraordinary men and women who have sacrificed so much in service to our country,” said Meghan Taylor, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Relations, Genting New York. “Through Resorts World Gives, we are committed to investing in the communities we serve and recognizing the heroes whose courage and leadership continue to inspire us all.”

The multi-day Patriot Project mission will feature visits to local historic sites, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; a private tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor; and the 9/11 Memorial. The week will conclude with a patriotic pops concert, being performed by the MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Jason Tramm, that will honor our nation and those who have sacrificed across generations for our freedom.

The “Concert for America’s Heroes” is taking place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Mount Saint Mary College’s Acquinas Theatre. Doors will open at 6:00pm and the show will begin at 7:00pm. Tickets, priced at $20 per person, can be purchased by visiting https://www.purpleheartmission.org/event-registration/concert-for-americas-heroes-ticket-sales.

Among the distinguished honorees is Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr, the first African American to command a Marine Recon company and the first enlisted African American Marine Officer to receive a battlefield commission. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed legislation to award the Medal of Honor to Major Capers.

Also being honored will be six-time Purple Heart recipient, Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Thomas “Stormy” Matteo, who served in Vietnam as a platoon leader, later entering a career in law enforcement. He ultimately served as Chief of Police for two Florida municipalities.

Another honoree, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Steve Woelk, a two-time Purple Heart recipient, who was serving on the U.S.S. Pueblo when it was captured in 1968 by North Korea. He spent 11 months as Prisoner of War (POW).

Together, these honorees reflect the courage and sacrifice of Purple Heart recipients across generations. Resorts World is proud to support the Patriot Project and help ensure the service and sacrifice of our nation’s combat wounded are honored and remembered.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PURPLE HEART HONOR MISSION

The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is an approved 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose strategic objective is to pay tribute to our nation’s combat wounded and killed in action through special outreach and educational programming. Through Purple Heart Patriot Project Missions, celebration of National Purple Heart Day, and other public events and programs, the Honor Mission engages people of all ages by telling the stories of our nation’s heroes. Learn more and support their efforts at www.PurpleHeartMission.org.

ABOUT RESORTS WORLD HUDSON VALLEY

Resorts World Hudson Valley (RWHV) is New York State’s newest and most exciting gaming destination. Opened in December 2022, RWHV offers gamers approximately 1,200 slot and electronic table gaming options across a 60,000-square-foot floor. Bar 360 has become a regional entertainment attraction that serves Newburgh Brewing Co.’s exclusive MonsterPitBoss IPA. THE KITCHEN offers guests a fresh and vibrant fast-casual dining experience with a soulful approach to Italian and American cuisines by renowned celebrity chef Scott Conant. RWHV is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, operating destination resorts in New York City, Catskills, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 30,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.

ABOUT RESORTS WORLD CATSKILLS

Resorts World Catskills offers guests a best-in-class gaming, entertainment, and dining experience. Built on the site of the historic Concord Hotel, RWC’s 2018 opening has helped usher in the revival of the Catskills Mountains as one of New York State’s premier tourist destinations. Ranked best Catskills hotel and resort by U.S. News, RWC boasts more than 100,000-square-feet of gaming floor; 10 bar and restaurant options including celebrity chef Scott Conant’s Italian steakhouse Cellaio; and the 2,500-seat RW Epicenter. In 2023, RWC completed a $40 million renovation of the 18-hole Monster golf course, designed by world renowned golf course architect, Rees Jones. RWC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, with destination resorts in New York City, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 30,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide. 

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