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VIDEO FROM 2024 INAUGURAL SERVICE & SACRIFICE GALA

VETERAN OF THE YEAR 2024, KATE MONROE & VETERAN OF THE YEAR 2025, CARLOS TORRES

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October 4, 2025, the 2nd Annual Service & Sacrifice Military Awards Gala brought together heroes, leaders, and community advocates for an unforgettable evening honoring 13 Guardians of Freedom representing every branch of the U.S. military.

Among this year’s distinguished honorees was Cpl. Carlos Torres, USMC, who received the prestigious Veteran of the Year Award in recognition of his extraordinary resilience and inspiring journey as a double amputee. He continues to achieve remarkable goals and motivate others through his strength, perseverance, and positive outlook on life.

Veteran Business Leaders of the Year, Hernan and Rachel Luis y Prado of Workshops for Warriors, were recognized for their tireless commitment to training and empowering transitioning service members. BLU Lapis Media proudly presented the organization with a $10,000 grant to help fund tuition for a veteran student pursuing a skilled trade career.

The Faith-Based Business Leadership Award was presented to Navy Corpsman and Combat Veteran Mike Rannigan, whose mission-driven approach to business continues to uplift veterans and their families through faith and community service.

Brigadier General RG Head (Ret.), a respected Coronado resident and Air Force leader, received the Distinguished Leadership and Sacrifice Award for his lifetime of service and enduring impact on military and civic leadership.

Other notable awardees included The Honorable Ron Morrison, Mayor of National City and U.S. Army veteran, who was presented with the 2025 Eisenhower Award for Public Service, and Dr. Elizabeth A. Yoe, U.S. Military Intelligence Officer (Ret.), honored with the Strategic Leadership, Service, and Sacrifice Award.

Navy Submariner (Ret.) Tony Teravainen, co-founder of Support The Enlisted Project (STEP), received the Inspirational Leadership & Founders Impact Award for his dedication to supporting enlisted military families in need.

Additional honorees included USMC Intelligence Analyst, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Dallas Rogers; U.S. Army National Guardsman Mike Dolbow; Information Systems Technician First Class (Surface Warfare), United States Navy, Ret. Liliana Armenta; Commander David Brambila, American Legion, Department of California; U.S. Army TOW Missile System Specialist Charles “Chuck” Abney; and Master Sergeant (Ret.) Carlos “Charlie” Inot, U.S. Army Special Forces – Green Beret, who received The Spirit of Service and Sacrifice Award.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Emmy Award-winning journalist and Air Force veteran Dan Ball, host on the One America News Network (OAN). He captivated the audience with heartfelt reflections on patriotism, unity, and the shared responsibility to honor those who serve by actively giving back to our communities.

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October 24, 2024, the 1st Annual Service & Sacrifice Military Awards Gala

US Marine Corp Veteran Intel Specialist, CEO Vetcomm, Kate Monroe - 2024 Veteran of the Year 

Service & Sacrifice 2024 Recipients 

Captain Dan I Gruta, US Navy Retired

Army Ranger 1/75 Ranger Battalion, Nick Devlin

Special Forces, Senior Sergeant US Army Green Beret, Leonard B. Casiple

Airforce Reserves Robert Garcia

CS1 Coast Guard Phyllis Almaraz

Ret Army Master Sergeant Tommy Anderson

US Army Combat Veteran, Kevin Cameron

Army field Medic. RN, Robyn Nolan

LCDR USN Ret Naval Officer, Michael Williams

91D Generator Mechanic US Army, Brian Big Country Conwell

The Honorable John McCann, Mayor of Chula Vista and U.S. Navy veteran, who was presented with the 2024 Eisenhower Award for Public Service 

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Rear Admiral Robert Kamensky (Navy Ret) CEO, Feeding San Diego

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