Last night we were delighted to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Blue Star Families and the military community it supports at the Chamber of Commerce.
We snapped the founder and head, Kathy Roth-Douquet, with NBC News VP Val Nicholas, who came in from New York to support. Blue Star Families was started so military family members can join with civilian communities to address their challenges; it’s now over 100,000 strong.
The night's emcee was noted TV journalist Bob Woodruff, who spoke movingly about when he was critically injured in Iraq, the respect he gained for the military, and the foundation he started to ensure injured service members and their families have the same level of care he did; to date, it's raised $30 million. He's surrounded by honoree Lieutenant Colonel John Lybarger, who sang the National Anthem with daughter Ella, and Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk.
Celebrity chefs who participate in the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership paired with military chefs to feature tasty dishes. Here, Brasserie Beck's Robert Wiedmaier and Bayou Bakery's David Guas are flanked by military chefs, Navy's Ian Brown and Air Force's Mike Leo.
Some of our favorite bites were the salmon Napoleon, crab meat nouvelle, pickled beef cheeks, and the Filipino ceviche. Dog Tag Bakery also unveiled a delicious apple pie supporting Blue Star Families. Here, celebrity chefs, Volt's Brian Voltaggio and Restaurant Eve's Cathal Armstrong.
BSF strengthens military families and our nation by connecting communities and fostering leadership. Here, Soles4Souls' Buddy Teaster, Mark Stevens, Lt. Che Bolden, and BSF' Penny Bolden.
