The Rotary Club developed the Hero Award 10 years ago to honor those in the Trenton area who exhibited an exemplary act or long term service on behalf of a person or people. Past honorees have been policemen, firemen, and a victim of Pan-Am 103, a TCNJ graduate.
2007 Hero Award:
The Rotary Club presented the award on Thursday, September 20 at a 12:15 p.m. luncheon at Freddie’s Tavern in Trenton. Snell, 35, had been assigned to a Brigade Combat Team based in Fort Carson, Colo., was killed by small arms fire during a battle with insurgents in Baghdad on June 18.
Sgt. Snell was an accomplished young man with a multitude of talents. He exceeded in sports and was the 54th round draft pick for the Cleveland Indians but denied the offer. He instead, he attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA on a full scholarship. After one year, he decided to transfer to the College, then Trenton State. At the College, he was a second team award player of the week for the Division All Metro Team and Player of the Year in 1993.
After graduating in 1994, Snell was a model and appeared in numerous publications including Mademoiselle, Modern Bride, Vibe, and catalogues. He traveled to Italy and South Africa for modeling and while in South Africa, he auditioned for the part of Mohammad Ali for the movie Ali. Snell was called back twice, but actor Will Smith eventually won the role.
Within the next year, Snell enlisted in the U.S. Army. In 2006, he was assigned as a Scout to Black Night Troop 3/61 Calvary Squadron 2 Brigade Combat Team, 2 Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo. Later in the year, he was deployed to Iraq. While serving, Snell earned achievements and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal, among many others.
