Fourth Annual Salute to Our Heroes 2025

Wow! What an incredible event.

The District and the team at Roam truly made it a memorable experience, ensuring everything felt extra special. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to ALL of our generous sponsors and donors. Your unwavering support makes it possible for us to achieve our mission year after year—Supporting Those Who Served.

Because of you, we’re able to honor the brave men and women who have served our country, providing them with experiences that reflect the respect and admiration they deserve. Your contributions enable us to continue offering these life-changing opportunities for veterans, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership.

Together, we are making a lasting impact. Thank you for being a vital part of our community and mission.

Click the link to see more photos from the event.

Attention to detail makes our sponsors, donors and guests feel like family.

Scott Redd, Sean Adams, Phillip Krabbe, and Missy Krabbe

Lives changed, marriages healed and families celebrated. Victory!

This year, we were honored to pay tribute to two fallen veterans who were a part of the Wings of Valor family—Vern Hlavac and Bill "Skinny" Vande Kop. Their memories and service will forever be a part of our mission.

Additionally, we had the privilege of welcoming two World War II veterans (Robert Mikelson and Douglas Starr), a South Dakota Medal of Honor recipient Mike Fitzmaurice and a Gold Star Mother Connie Merkel. Their presence reminded us of the extraordinary sacrifices made by those who have served as well as their families.

Jim (JJ) Johnson has been volunteering at Wings of Valor Lodge since November 2024. With 20 years in the US Air Force as an avionics repair technician for the F‑111 and F‑15, followed by 17 years as a government contractor for the Reaper UAV program, JJ has seen firsthand the challenges veterans face. Inspired by the lodge’s mission to facilitate genuine connections, he eagerly joined the team. “We’re not controlling what happens; we’re creating a space where veterans can support each other,” he explains.

For JJ, the lodge is a beacon of hope—a place that shows veterans they can build community wherever they live. His favorite memory is of a reunion where a group of veterans reconnected after 25 to 30 years. Listening to them share their post-military struggles and realizing that “it’s not just me” fighting these battles reaffirmed the power of connection and camaraderie.