Fourth Annual Salute to Our Heroes.

Have you secured your table for our unforgettable Gala?

This year, we’re celebrating in a brand-new location,

The District, 4521 W Empire Pl.

Dress to impress—formal attire is encouraged.

• 5-6 p.m. social hour

• Music from the Dixieland Stompers

• 6:30 p.m. plated/served Dinner courtesy of Roam Kitchen & Bar

• 6:15-7:15 p.m. Silent Auction

• 7:15 p.m. guest speakers: Phillip and Missy Krabbe

• 8:15 p.m. Live Auction w/ Ryan Wieman

  • Barrett MRAD rifle

  • Female Yellow Labrador

  • Bourbon Package

  • Glimpse of Heaven Cabin in the Hills for 3 days

  • 25-06 Rifle

Ali Gabriel and Michelle Jorgenson, a couple of our volunteers enjoying the Gala. Don’t miss out. Reserve your table today.

Jena has been serving at the lodge since 2020, joining during one of the first official hunts.

Jena was inspired to get involved because of her son’s service in the Marines and her desire to support a local organization that serves military members and veterans. After being introduced to Wings of Valor Lodge by a friend, she volunteered at her first hunt and immediately felt a connection to the mission. “I knew right away that this was where I wanted to dedicate more of my time.”

For Jena, the lodge holds a special place in her heart. “I love knowing that the time I give to WOVL touches so many lives. Being around the veterans, hearing their stories, and feeling their appreciation for the lodge is indescribable. It’s an experience that stays with you.”

While Jena does not have a military background herself, she comes from a family with a strong connection to service. Both of her grandfathers served, and her son is a Marine.

When asked to share a favorite memory, Jena reflected on her first hunt. “I may be biased, but that first group of hunters is one of my favorite memories. They were such a fun group and helped connect me to an incredible organization. I look forward to serving here for many years to come.”

Bob Devine began volunteering at Wings of Valor Lodge in 2022, assisting with both a tower hunt and a field hunt. He first heard about the lodge through his friend Casey Hatch, who encouraged him to get involved. “Casey thought I might enjoy volunteering, and he was right—it’s a great place,” Bob shared.

Since then, Bob has volunteered for cleanup days and several hunts, finding the experience incredibly rewarding. “The mission of the lodge is like no other I’ve seen when it comes to helping veterans. The relaxed atmosphere is welcoming to both volunteers and guests. Seeing the camaraderie among veterans as they bond and create lasting memories is inspiring. When I leave after a day of volunteering, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction.”

Bob grew up on a farm near Wakonda, South Dakota. After graduating high school in 1977, he enlisted in the Navy, serving for four years. His first duty station was at Subic Bay in the Philippines, where he worked as an engine man on tugboats and refueling barges for the Pacific Fleet. He later served in Adak, Alaska, in the Aleutian Islands, just 900 miles from Russia. There, he worked on tugboats and witnessed the mysterious “ghost ship,” a radar-laden vessel that patrolled Russian waters.

Bob’s final station was commissioning the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) in Mobile, Alabama. After training on the new ship, he sailed through the Panama Canal to Long Beach, California. The USS Peleliu, an amphibious ship, carried 800 sailors and 2,000 Marines.

Bob left the Navy in 1981 and feels fortunate to have served during a time of peace. Reflecting on his experience at the lodge, he shared, “Wings of Valor is truly special. Seeing the hard work that has gone into it and the impact it has on veterans is remarkable. I look forward to continuing to be part of this incredible mission.”

Since March 2022, Deidre Martino has been an integral part of the Wings of Valor Lodge community. After moving from the East Coast to South Dakota with her husband Robert—who is also an active volunteer—the couple was warmly introduced to the lodge by an unexpected connection: Landon Nelson, their Federal Express delivery guy. One spring day, Landon invited them to join him at the Lodge for a Spring Cleaning Day and on the way they did some asparagus hunting.

Volunteering at Wings of Valor wasn’t just about lending a hand; it was about becoming part of a community that resonated with her on many levels. For her, the lodge quickly evolved into a "home away from home”a place filled with peace, genuine community, and a familial atmosphere. This environment reminded her of her father, a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force who served for 23 years and saw action in Vietnam. Being surrounded by veterans allowed her to connect with his legacy in a personal way, deepening her understanding of his experiences and the sacrifices he made.

Jennifer VanRoekel has been serving at Wings of Valor Lodge for the past year!

As a veteran herself, Jennifer was inspired to get involved because she loves connecting with fellow veterans and hearing their stories. The lodge gives her a space to bond with those who have shared similar experiences.

Jennifer proudly served in the Army National Guard as an 88M truck driver, with six years active duty and two non-active. She was deployed during Desert Storm for six months.

Her favorite lodge memory? Attending the Women Veteran Hunt as a guest, where she met incredible women from different military branches. Sharing stories and experiences with them was truly special.