We Got Your Six is the theme for most of what we do, but it was especially appropriate for our 6th annual Salute to American Heroes gala. Salute is our primary fund raiser for our Operation Wounded Care – 100% of the net proceeds go to these programs. 100%.
The Salute gala was a night of patriotism, military pageantry and entertainment.
The US Coast Guard’s Honor Guard Silent Drill Team electrified the attendees.
This year’s Keynote Speaker, LTC James “Jim” Browning and his unit, the 2-508th of the 82d ABN DIV, helped free Mosul (Iraq’s 2nd largest city) from ISIS control. He was also an Adoptee of AaSP. His speech was amazing.
Food was great, we had dancing to a terrific DJ and silent and live auctions. Included in the auction was an incredible leather jacket adorned with a painting of the iconic flag raising picture at Ground Zero by Tom Franklin – and signed by Franklin himself! The jacket was won in the live auction by a Blue Star Mom whose son was wounded in the Battle of Mosul (and he attended the Gala also with his wife – and Dad).
The Spartan Pledge was presented by our emcee Captain “Woody” Woodall. The Pledge is a solemn oath that Warriors are encouraged to take to reduce the suicide rate of Veterans in this country. We had a great turnout for the Pledge, which was accompanied by a sword made from World Trade Center steel.
We had many military attend, as well as law enforcement officers and athletes. One of our athlete guests was former heavyweight boxer Gerry Cooney, an audience favorite who delighted the crowd by taking pictures with attendees showing their fists. It was great fun.
Thanks to everyone who made Salute possible, worked on the committees, paid for tables, donated for our military expenses, placed ads in the program and provided hospitality to our guests.
SAVE THE DATE! Salute to American Heroes 7 will be held again next year on 17 October, 2019, at the Royal Manor in Garfield, NJ.
up to date as of 9 NOV 2018