When we think of an American hero image, which might be that of a police officer, fireman or someone that truly inspires us, we often visualize our heroes as people who guide and guard us with much purpose and courage. Very rarely do we want to imagine that the heroes we look up to would be those that tend to be the forgotten. Those that had and still have an active duty of consciousness to protect the brighter future of our world and that of humanity and who still need to know that we support them with the same devotion as we do others of integrity. Sometimes when our heroes are not shown or given the same amount of support that others have the privilege of maintaining, it takes a greater scale of recognition  to truly show their worth.

Recently I was invited to attend the Veterans of all Nations Gala in honor and support of the many veterans who have actively served along with our NATO alliances. Receiving this email definitely hit close to home as I have found that I am an advocate for our Veterans and their alliances that have been equally serving in camaraderie. Although I have never personally served for our country, I am the daughter, grand-daughter and the cousin of men that have. Not many people know that I would’ve been born and raised for the first few years of my childhood in Japan through my fathers active duty, but more so that I am in hopes of  developing a way to getting  our vets off the streets and back into the community to which they belong. As I feel that it is the duty of our country they served. I’ve been to a Gala very similar to this except that our honored guest stood on all four at the Dog hero awards.

I decided to invite my good friend Anthony who served ten years while later becoming a medical retired service member. The event started at 6 p.m for the red carpet arrivals and dinner and cocktails at 7 p.m. Hosted at the historic Hollywood American Legion Post 43 , we arrived for a night to celebrate our veterans in unity. Being that the dinner didn’t officially start until after the step and repeats, it gave me a chance to reflect on my position of being there as a whole. Not just as a blogger, but also as someone who passionately speaks on the occurring issues with the way our veterans are being treated in today’s society. Both men and women arrived dressed in military attire as well as dressed for a Gala.

 

U.S Veteran and Hero Shondra Taylor-Boyd and Timber

 

Many familiar faces came out in support including actors that I once shared camera time with during my past acting days. One person specifically who I have admired or rather had a childhood crush on actor Robert Patrick, attended with other influences; film producer Bill Mechanic; actor Jack Scalia and political writer commentator Alex Mohajer.

Left: Bill Mechanic, Robert Patrick, Alex Mohajer

While waiting, I was able to meet the lovely woman behind my invite, Stacy Barker with Jade Umbrella PR, whose savvy fashionable attire I had complimented. Ironically, a gentleman who had been sitting next to me was the exact person to whom she wanted me to speak to; and naturally, I was able to hear a lot about his life challenges in pursuit to inspiring others. Justin Peck is a man of strength and perseverance who has accepted to divert his many challenges in order to encourage others through the obstacles he has faced. As a race car driver and author, he’s become a voice for those with mental health issues in letting them know that there is a light that will guide you through your darkness.

Once all the attendees arrived, we made our way inside to our assigned tables before the ceremony began. Anthony and I along with other guest were given our own tables which thankfully gave me immediate access in order to take photos at ease. Once we took our seats, we made our way to the open buffet as well as the bar where guest enjoyed  Leadslingers Whiskey  sponsored by Veterans, and as a Whiskey girl, I salute that. This wasn’t Anthony’s first time being at this building as he noted that where there are Veterans, there is plenty of alcohol considering that plenty of wine bottles were placed at every table and for good reason.

Throughout the evening, journalist and combat Veteran Boone Cutler  took the stage with witty jokes and past experiences to tell while sharing the podium with celebrity attendees as they were honored for their contributions in supporting our war heroes from many places across the globe. Many toast were made in remembrance for the victims of recent terror attacks; solidarity for the community as well as for the respected; founder of Academy of United States Veterans, Assal Ravandi, field operations and spokes person of  Coalition to Salute Americas Heroes, Donny Daughenbaugh, and celebrity guest Robert Patrick who received the hometown hero award while paying tribute to his late grandfather lieutenant Samuel Patrick; and lastly for the award winning film Hacksaw Ridge presented with the Honorary VETTY award.

A performance by Country singer and Veterans activist, Cassidy Daniels, played tribute to her father and Veterans with her song “Solute” that gave both Anthony and I chills to end the evening but not until everyone could spend the remainder of the night dancing to activists rock band Three Beards band.

Country singer and veterans activist Cassidy Daniels

As a blogger, I personally like to observe and watch from afar, but in this moment, I had the utmost admiration and respect. I wasn’t there to judge nor to critique, but only to admire the positive nature of a community that I don’t see too often. Maybe due to my ignorance, but here was uplifting that gave me hope that all is not lost and that I have found a way for my will. That the men and women who continue to sleep outside those gates are not far from reaching their opportunity for a second chance at life in a community of shared hearts.

Photo credit to Shane O’Neal Photography

Xox