Chevy Chase Trust hosted an event for clients and friends on October 15^th at the Round House Theatre in Bethesda. The featured speaker was an exceptional soldier of great courage and strength, Michael Durant, Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) and pilot of the Black Hawk helicopter Super Six Four that went down in combat in Mogadishu, Somalia on October 3, 1993. His book In the Company of Heroes became a New York Times best seller and inspiration for the Academy Award winning movie, Black Hawk Down. His book describes how U.S forces in Somalia were sent to seize two of war lord Mohamed Farrah Aidid’s lieutenants, but the mission went terribly wrong when two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were shot down and three others were damaged. A fierce battle ensued. Durant’s capture by Somali militiamen led to 10 days in captivity.

The evening of the event, Durant shared his story about the mission, its significant challenges and how decisions at the highest levels of the U.S. government resulted in servicemen being sent into harm’s way without the proper tools needed for success. His story was one of courage, survival and motivation.

Durant spoke for more than 45 minutes and answered questions from the audience. After, guests continued the conversation and enjoyed a reception in the Chevy Chase Trust Galleria.

For more information, visit http://mikedurant.com/