Come help us celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States Army on Saturday, June 14, 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.
Our distinguished speaker for the evening is Mr. Gary Sinise. Mr. Sinise is an award-winning actor, director, producer, musician and philanthropist. For nearly 40 years, he has stood as an advocate on behalf of America’s service members and first responders.
Mr. Sinise served as the national spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. He serves on the President’s Advisory Group for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, the Community Council for Hope for the Warriors and as an honorary board member of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation to serve and honor America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, Gold Star families and those in need. In 2018, Mr. Sinise was the first recipient of the Colonel Roger H. C. Donlon Patriot Award.
As a highlight of our celebration, we are excited to announce that the Colonel Roger H. C. Donlon Patriot Award honorees are Mr. Joe Mantegna, award-winning actor and philanthropist, and Mrs. Karen Worcester, Executive Director, Wreaths Across America.
Mr. Joe Mantegna is an award-winning actor and philanthropist with over 50 years of excellence on the stage and screen. He is best known for playing FBI Supervisory Special Agent David Rossi since 2007 on Criminal Minds as well as host and producer for Gun Stories for the Outdoor Channel since 2011. Since 2002, he has been involved in the National Memorial Day Concert, initially as a performer and co-hosting the event with Gary Sinise since 2005.
Mr. Mantegna was the national spokesperson for the campaign to build the National Museum of the United States Army, which opened on Veterans Day 2020. The museum is an American landmark that tells the stories of the more than 30 million men and women who have proudly worn the Army uniform since 1775. Inspired by members of his own military family, Joe takes great pride in preserving and educating the public about the storied history of America’s largest and oldest military service. Mr. Mantegna serves on the Ambassadors Council for the Gary Sinise Foundation, representing the foundation through speaking engagements and public appearances.
Immediately upon the creation of Wreaths Across America in 2007, Karen Dow Worcester became the Executive Director, chosen by the Board of Directors. Wreaths Across America is committed to teaching all generations about the value of their freedoms, and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms. With over 35 years of experience in the administrative stewardship of the various Worcester family enterprises, Karen is well-known as a passionate champion and spokesperson. As a volunteer and co-founder of Wreaths Across America, Karen tenaciously works on ways the organization can best Remember the fallen; Honor those who serve; and teach our children that our freedoms are purchased at a great cost.
Equally passionate about her family, Karen is a mother to six children and nine grandchildren. Her favorite hobby is participating in and preparing for equestrian events, as well as tending to the family farm.
For more information contact Karen McAbee, Executive Vice President, Email: programs.kcausa@ausa.org or phone: 913-484-4549
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