The third annual Join Forces: Texas Style event, hosted by SOWF at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, was an unforgettable evening presented by Decisive Point and Transamerica. Guests, sponsors, and donors had the chance to connect with extraordinary personalities while discovering the profound impact of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
The cocktail reception was entertaining, offering guests a chance to bid on an array of silent auction items, including exclusive memorabilia signed by renowned figures like Paul McCartney, Reba McEntire, The Zac Brown Band and John Williams, among others.
The night kicked off with a bang, courtesy of the University of North Texas Green Brigade Marching Band. Actors Cole Hauser (Yellowstone), Forrie Smith (Yellowstone), and Jill Wagner graced the event alongside Major General (Retired) Clay Hutmacher, providing exciting updates on SOWF programs. The 2023 SOWF graduates received a touching tribute through a beautiful video highlighting their ongoing success. SOWF’s Chairman of the Board, General (Retired) Tony Thomas and Admiral (Retired) William H. McRaven added their esteemed voices, with Admiral McRaven enthralling the audience as the keynote speaker. Samantha Bradshaw, a SOWF graduate from the University of Auburn in 2020, shared her inspiring journey.
The night continued with live auctions offering remarkable experiences, including a helicopter hog-hunting adventure (donated by Last Shadow), a unique Tomahawk forged using steel from the USS Texas (donated by Jack Stottlemire and Conflict Forge), a ‘Day with Special Operations’ at Fort Liberty, NC with two Active Duty Green Berets, a barrel of aged whiskey and private distillery tour from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a stunning 1969 Camaro Z28 donated by the Kozmetsky family.
SOWF extends its heartfelt gratitude to sponsors, students, the board of directors, Ambassadors, and all attendees whose support made the evening so impactful for the Special Operations families we serve. The success of Join Forces: Texas Style directly influences the lives of these families. We eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone to the fourth annual event on Saturday, October 5th, 2024!
