Come help us celebrate the 249th Birthday of the United States Army on Saturday, June 8, at 5:30pm at the Sheraton Overland Park at the Convention Center (6100 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66211) We will begin our evening with a reception at 5:30pm, followed by a program filled with pride, patriotism, and respect for an institution older than the nation itself. We will honor all those who have served, as well as recognize the sacrifices of those Soldiers and their families who have given their all.
This year’s celebration will be very special as we honor the life and legacy of Colonel Roger H. C. Donlon, U.S. Army, Retired. He served for a total of 33 years as an Infantry, Special Forces and Foreign Area Officer before retiring in 1988. Sadly, Colonel Donlon lost his 12-year battle with Agent Orange induced Parkinson’s Disease on January 25, 2024.
On July 6, 1964, then Captain Donlon and his Special Forces Team A-726, along with 60 Chinese Nungs, defended Camp Nam Dong, Vietnam when they were attacked by a force of 900 enemy troops. It was the first battle of the Vietnam War where the Regular North Vietnamese Army joined forces with the Viet Cong from the south to try to overrun an American Outpost. For his actions at Nam Dong, Roger became the first American Soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor in Vietnam.
Our distinguished military speaker for the evening is Brigadier General Guillaume "Will" Beaurpere, Commanding General of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, the Special Operations Center of Excellence. BG Beaurpere has had the honor of commanding the Nation's best Soldiers at every level of Army Special Operations from Special Forces Operational Detachment - Alpha to SF Group. His command and staff assignments included tours with 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), engaging with allies and partners from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
BG Beaurpere's other key assignments include serving as the Deputy Commander of Support for the 4th Infantry Division; Executive Officer to the Commanding General, U.S. Special Operations Command; Deputy Commander, Special Operations Joint Task Force - Iraq; and Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Army.
As a highlight of our celebration, we will present the Colonel Roger H. C. Donlon Patriot Award to Mr. John Holt, Journalist, Community Servant, and Philanthropist for his Distinguished Service to Military Families and Veterans. Mr. Holt co-anchors Fox4 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 9:00pm and is a special project reporter for Fox4 News. He also hosts the weekly show, “4 the People” as well as “KC End Zone” during the Chiefs season.
Mr. Holt has won numerous awards, including 11 Regional Emmy Awards and is a NATAS Mid-America Emmy Chapter Silver Circle inductee. In 2015 the Heart of America Boy Scout Council named him a Ewing M. Kauffman Distinguished Eagle Scout and he has twice received the President’s Award from the Johnson County Bar Association. In 2022, the Johnson County Bar Association honored Mr. Holt with its Legacy Award for his extensive community service. Mr. Holt graduated from the University of Kansas Schools of Journalism and Law.
Sponsorships:
5-Star—$10,000
* 2 seats at the head table
* 4 Premier tables of 8
* Large logo in program & promotional materials
* AUSA Community Partner membership
3-Star—$3,500
* Premier table of 8
* Medium logo in program & promotional materials
* AUSA Community Partner membership
4-Star—$5,000
* 2 seats at the head table
* 2 Premier tables of 8
* Large logo in program & promotional materials
* AUSA Community Partner membership
2-Star—$2,500
* Premier table of 8
* Small logo in program & promotional materials
* AUSA Community Partner membership
1-Star—$1,250
* Table of 8
* Name in program & promotional materials
Table of 8: $1000
Individual tickets: $125