Savannah Brown, Student Speaker
On October 5th, over 300 supporters gathered in Dallas for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation’s (SOWF) highly anticipated Join Forces Texas Style fundraiser, an evening filled with inspiration and generosity. The event was a tremendous success, raising over $800,000 to fund educational opportunities for the children of fallen Special Operations Personnel, children of deceased spouses of active-duty Special Operations Personnel, and children of all Medal of Honor Recipients.
The evening was led by Catherine Herridge, Investigative Reporter and Master of Ceremonies, who underscored the vital importance of supporting families who bear the weight of sacrifice for our nation’s security. Joining Herridge were special guests Cole Hauser and Forrie J. Smith from the cast of Yellowstone, whose presence added excitement and star power to the evening.
Jonny Kim, Keynote Speaker
Jonny Kim, Navy SEAL, physician, and NASA astronaut, served as the evening’s keynote speaker. In a powerful address, Kim shared his journey from combat medic to the stars, inspiring guests with his resilience and the importance of love for both family and country. His story highlighted the importance of SOWF’s mission to uplift families, providing children in the SOWF program with a foundation to achieve their dreams.
A standout moment of the night came from Savannah Brown, a student at the University of Arkansas and a recipient of SOWF’s educational program, who spoke movingly of the loss of her father and SOWF’s impact on her life. Her story illustrated the transformative power of SOWF’s support, bringing the organization’s mission to life for all in attendance.
The evening’s presenting sponsors, The Aegon Transamerica Foundation, with a special thank you to Mark and Jamie Ohl, and the Sudler Companies with a special thank you to Brian Sudler, both played a significant role in making this impactful event possible. Guests also eagerly participated in a live auction, where a few standout items stole the show, including the “Rick House Selection Experience” from BHawk Distillery and a rare, fully restored WWII Harley Davidson motorcycle generously donated by SOWF Ambassador, Vic Ayad.
The evening concluded with a stirring performance from the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.
The funds raised at Join Forces Texas Style will directly support SOWF’s work, helping to fulfill educational dreams and provide vital resources to the children in the SOWF program. SOWF extends its gratitude to all attendees and sponsors who contributed to a memorable evening that ensures a lasting impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much.
