Home of the Free…
19th HOME OF THE FREE … BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE IS A ROUSING SUCCESS
Recovering service members at military hospitals in the National Capital Region, their families and caregivers were guests as the Military Bowl Foundation and board member Paul Normal hosted the 19th annual Home of the Free … Because of the Brave dinner at Fogo de Cháo restaurant on Thursday night in Tysons, Va.
The event provided a first-class night out and welcome respite for several dozen service members recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in suburban Virginia, as they were joined by supporters at one of the region’s most enjoyable restaurants on the opening night of the NFL season.
With the season opener between the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens playing on televisions throughout the venue, the guest list also included two Medal of Honor Recipients, U.S. Marine Corps Col. (Ret.) Barney Barnum and U.S. Army Col. (Ret.) Paris Davis.
“Everyone here is your host,” Norman explained to the guests from Walter Reed and Fort Belvoir. “We are honored to have you join us tonight for the festivities, great food and football. It also is a way for everyone here to express their appreciation for what you have done and thank you for your service.”
As has become a tradition, Norman worked his way through the restaurant, personally greeting each service member and caregiver and asking their favorite football team.
Several service members won gift cards and all were invited to attend the 2024 Military Bowl on December 28 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.
Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck remarked that this is one of his favorite nights of the year.
“It is amazing to think how many years Home of the Free … Because of the Brave has taken place and the number of service members, their families and caregivers who have joined us,” Beck said. “We are especially appreciative of everyone who attended this year’s event, those who donated and our sponsors who helped make this night special for our guests from Walter Reed and Fort Belvoir. We also thank USO for its continued support organizing this outstanding evening.”
Home of the Free … Because of the Brave was sponsored by John Pellerito and the Pellerito family; XCelerate Solutions; Evergreene Homes; Joanie and Howard Katz; Pulte Group; Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh; Concordia Group; Dream Finders Homes; Kettler; Mill Creek; Stanley Martin Homes; Scoreboard Fundraising; and Tower Facility Management.
Proceeds from the event benefit Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Donations are welcome at patriotpoint.org.
