We’ve had an incredible series of events recently that showcase the strength, sacrifice, and spirit of service that define our nation’s heroes. From honoring veterans to celebrating community milestones and hosting inspiring leaders, each event has been a reminder of the enduring impact of service and dedication. Here’s a recap of some of the most memorable moments.
One of the most inspiring evenings was the Defender of Freedom Dinner, where we had the honor of presenting Rod Halperin with the Service to America Award for his incredible dedication to veterans. The evening also featured two extraordinary stories of heroism—COL Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez, a retired Air Force veteran and Purple Heart recipient, and U.S. Navy SEAL Will Chesney, who shared his role in the mission to bring justice to Osama bin Laden. Alongside his K9 partner Cairo, Will’s story highlighted the sacrifices and bravery of our military personnel. A special thank you to The George Washington Hotel for its exceptional hospitality in making this event unforgettable.
We’ve had an incredible series of events recently that showcase the strength, sacrifice, and spirit of service that define our nation’s heroes. From honoring veterans to celebrating community milestones and hosting inspiring leaders, each event has been a reminder of the enduring impact of service and dedication. Here’s a recap of some of the most memorable moments.
One of the most inspiring evenings was the Defender of Freedom Dinner, where we had the honor of presenting Rod Halperin with the Service to America Award for his incredible dedication to veterans. The evening also featured two extraordinary stories of heroism—COL Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez, a retired Air Force veteran and Purple Heart recipient, and U.S. Navy SEAL Will Chesney, who shared his role in the mission to bring justice to Osama bin Laden. Alongside his K9 partner Cairo, Will’s story highlighted the sacrifices and bravery of our military personnel. A special thank you to The George Washington Hotel for its exceptional hospitality in making this event unforgettable.
Our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at our National Headquarters in Winchester, Virginia, was another major milestone for us. Local historian and author Mike Robinson shared fascinating insights into the region’s rich history, making the occasion even more meaningful as we embarked on this exciting new chapter for our organization.
At America’s Dinner, we honored our veterans and heard from Sarah Adams, a former CIA officer, who gave us invaluable insights into national security and global threats. The evening was made all the more special by the outstanding service from Village Square Restaurant, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
We also had the privilege of hosting Retired Navy Captain Hung Cao as our guest speaker for a special breakfast during our Army-Navy Weekend celebration. Captain Cao’s journey is truly remarkable—from arriving in the U.S. as a refugee in 1975 to serving in Special Operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. His contributions to the Navy’s $140 billion budget at the Pentagon and his fellowships at MIT and Harvard speak to his dedication and expertise. Beyond his military career, Captain Cao is a devoted father of five, and he and his wife April have moved 13 times around the world before settling in Purcellville, VA, where they remain deeply involved in their community.
Looking ahead, we’re filled with gratitude for the amazing individuals who make these events possible and for all those who join us in honoring our nation’s heroes. Thank you for being part of these unforgettable moments—we look forward to continuing this journey together.
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