Marine Who Saved 70 Lives In Pulse Shooting To Be Honored By LGBT Military Group

"Imran represents the best of America and the best of America’s military community."

From: NewNowNext

 Marine Corps veteran Imran Yousuf was credited with saving more than 70 lives during the June 12 mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. To honor his heroism, the American Military Partner Association will be recognizing him at a special gala held in San Diego.

Yousuf was working as a bouncer on the night of the horrific attack at Pulse. After the shooter stormed in, the Army vet noticed that a group of patrons was trapped in a corner of the club. He rushed to them and broke open a door, allowing dozens of club-goers to escape the scene. Without Yousuf’s actions, officials believe the death toll would have been much higher.

The American Military Partner Association, which advocates for LGBT military families, will honor Yousuf at its September 17 West Coast Gala. Yousuf served in the military from 2010-2016 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

“Imran represents the best of America and the best of America’s military community, as evidenced by his quick and heroic actions amid the chaos and carnage of the tragedy in Orlando,” AMPA president Ashley Broadway-Mack said in a statement.

“While he humbly may not consider himself a hero, his courageous actions in the face of mortal danger that saved the lives of more than 70 of our LGBT brothers and sisters say otherwise,” she continued.

“He is certainly a hero to our community and to all of America, and we are proud to honor Imran with our 2016 Community Hero Award.”

Other honorees will include Palm Center founder Aaron Belkin and Major Gen. Trish Rose, the highest-ranking out service member.