“We are a nation of communities... a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky. ”
officiate | EDUCATE | ADVOCATE
“I see Americans of every party, every background, every faith who believe that we are stronger together: black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American; young, old; gay, straight; men, women, folks with disabilities, all pledging allegiance under the same proud
flag to this big, bold country that we love. That’s what I see. That’s the America I know! ”
Camaraderie
There is no longing to relive the painful moments of terror and loss. What we miss in our lives as veterans are the strength of our relationships, our bond and camaraderie that we once shared. We search for ways to come together, to reconnect with one another.
Advocacy
We call upon all Americans, to raise awareness of the resources and support services available in their communities for mental health, women’s rights, human rights, LGBT rights, suicide prevention and sustainable healthcare, not for our veterans only, but for all Americans.
Unity
Bridging the divides between the veterans and our most powerful American communities with the mentality that our veterans carried— honor, integrity and selflessness, which are the hallmark of a true leader that can subside prejudice and injustice.
Education
An educated society will naturally become more egalitarian. Education helps in bringing a moral understanding to our society. It enables us to determine what is right and what is wrong. Education promotes thinking, and once you start thinking, you no longer blindly follow.
Anne Heche and cast of The Brave
Primetime Emmy Nominee Anne Heche attended alongside her fellow cast members of the tv series, The Brave, where she excitingly met with servicemen and women and listened to their unique experiences. This was a fantastic evening where members of Hollywood and the veterans community came together, sharing their touching stories and dynamic insights.
General George Casey and Sheila Casey
Representing Blue Star Families at the 4th Annual Veterans Awards Ceremony was two exceptional members of our community, General George Casey and Sheila Casey. Later that night, Ms. Sheila Casey walked the stage to accept the Leadership Award on behalf of BSF. She joined actress, Shohreh Aghdashloo, to present the Women Veterans Award to Service Women’s Action Network.
CNN’s Jake Tapper won a Vetty in Veterans Choice Category
The 3rd Annual Veterans Awards was a sensational evening among veterans, military families and supporters. Jake Tapper won in the Veterans Choice Category. Jake also hosted the 3rd Annual Veterans Awards.
AUSV at the Mission Impossible: Fallout Premiere
AUSV president, Assal Ravandi | Actor, Henry Cavill | Blue Star Families CEO, Kathy Roth-Douquet at the D.C. premiere of Mission Impossible; Fallout Premiere. 30 tickets were offered to AUSV members to attend the red carpet premiere along with Tom Cruise and the cast.
Call of Duty Endowment won in the employment category
Lieutenant Colonel, Lisa Rosser, Call of Duty Endowment advisory board member, proudly accepts the 4th Vettys Employment Award, on behalf of the exceptional organization. Lieutenant Colonel Rosser spoke powerfully about Call of Duty Endowment and it truly inspired many in the crowd.
President and CEO of Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, David Walker and Emmy-Winning Actor and U.S. Marine, Montel Williams. As the Leader of an organization with a mission to inspire other groups and the general public to participate in advocating for veterans, Walker proceeds to discuss the importance of the Vetty for the veterans community. Williams follows with indicating why NVLSP has earned the award for the remarkable achievements made in year 2017.
Los Angeles Season Premiere & Meet & Greet with the cast of SEAL Team
Academy of United States Veterans and Blue Star Families hosted the season premiere of CBS' hit series, SEAL Team. David Boreanaz and the entire cast of SEAL Team arrived in Hollywood for a special meet & greet and screening of the first episode of the seasons 2.
General John F. Kelly at the 3rd Vettys
John Francis Kelly is a retired U.S. Marine Corps general attended the 3rd Annual Veterans Awards as an honored guest. Kelly enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and then commissioned as an officer near the end of college. He rose through the ranks, eventually serving in his last military post from 2012 to 2016 as the four-star General leading United States Southern Command, the unified combatant command responsible for American military operations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Actor Casey Affleck and Major Sam Kriegler
Academy Award Winner Casey Affleck and Major Sam Kriegler, two impressive men in our community, were proudly waiting to present the winner for the Mental Health Vetty. Moments later, they announced Boulder Crest Retreat as the 4th Annual Veterans Award winner. This was a great integration moment between the veterans and entertainment community.
Backpacks for Life
The nonprofit organization, Backpacks for Life, gears its efforts to be a support system for homeless and at-risk veterans. This year they were nominated as a recipient for the Veterans Homelessness Award and because of the support of many, they took home the Vetty. It was an honor to witness such excitement and humility when their name was called.
Jake Gyllenhaal and American Author Jeff Bauman
Service members met with Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and American Author Jeff Bauman and shared their own inspiring stories of perseverance and strength at an exclusive meet and greet for the film Stronger. Many related to Jeff’s physical and mental journey that lead him to rediscover himself. Meet & greet was hosted by AUSV for Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Jake Tapper, The Host
Our beloved friend and veteran activist, Jake Tapper, returned as ceremony host for the 4th Annual Veterans Awards. His passion for journalism and advocacy has lead him to be an avid supporter of our mission here at AUSV. Creating relationships with those in the television industry is hard but individuals like, Mr. Tapper, make it seamless to receive help to shine a light on our veterans community.
Glamorous Red Carpet Arrival
One by one we saw our lovely attendees captivating one another as they stood in front of various media. The red carpet symbolizes how alluring and prestigious our veterans community can truly be. We enjoy seeing how charming everyone looks the night of the Vettys and are enthusiastic about seeing more of you at the Annual Veterans Awards.
Academy Award Nominated and Emmy Award Winning Actress, Shohreh Aghdashloo hosted the Veterans of All Nations Gala,
An Oscar viewing celebrating our NATO Alliance and Unity of Global Forces was held in Washington, D.C. NATO delegates and veteran leaders were present at the Veterans of All Nations Gala dressed in black tie. It was a night of glamour and unity that brought the community together representing guests from all walks of life.
Todd Weiler and Husband
AUSV member and veteran, Todd Weiler, shows off his red carpet smile, alongside his gallant husband. The two fiercely represented the uniqueness and beauty of our military and veterans community. Mr. Weiler was a 4th Vettys nominee for the Employment Award.
Col. John Buckley and Mrs. Buckley
The elegant, Col. Buckley and Mrs. Buckley, were all smiles on the red carpet. Col. Buckley is a Military Relations Manager at Koch Industries, where he devotes his time to providing the veterans community employment opportunities. As a veteran himself, he recognizes the difficulties of transitioning out of the military. His exceptional efforts were recognized and as a result, he proudly attended as an Employment Award nominee.
“Demographics aren’t destiny. Our culture isn’t the work of one race or religion. To suggest otherwise is to contradict our ideals and to doubt their power.”