Event Name | Timings | Location | Expand |
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Military and Veterans Housing Certification (MVHC) – CE (FL) & NON-CE | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Bayhill 25-26 | ➕ |
Sponsored By: Caliber Part of the NewRez Family of Companies
Sponsor Remarks: Cricket Libby
Session Description: The MVHC is designed for a comprehensive understanding of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Home Loan Guarantee Program.
Instructors:
- John Miller, NEC Member
- Sean Selters, NEC Member
- Stephen DeMuth, NEC Member
Fair Housing – AM Class | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Bayhill 23-24 | ➕ |
Sponsored By: VAREP NEC
Session Description: This interactive class will teach attendees about the laws that protect people from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. Attendees will analyze case studies and exercises on diversity and inclusion.
Instructor:
- Gonzalo Mejia, Fair Housing Instructor
Fair Housing – PM Class | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Bayhill 23-24 | ➕ |
Sponsored By: VAREP NEC
Session Description: This interactive class will teach attendees about the laws that protect people from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. Attendees will analyze case studies and exercises on diversity and inclusion.
Instructor:
- Gonzalo Mejia, Fair Housing Instructor
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) – AM Class | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Bayhill 17-18 | ➕ |
Sponsored By: VAREP NEC
Session Description: Attendees will learn about the laws that protect servicemembers from certain civil proceedings while on deployment known as the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Instructor:
- SCRA Instructor -Jeff Wilson
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) – PM Class | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Bayhill 17-18 | ➕ |
Sponsored By: VAREP NEC
Session Description: Attendees will learn about the laws that protect servicemembers from certain civil proceeding while on deployment known as the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Instructor:
- SCRA Instructor -Jeff Wilson
PCS: Know Your Orders Class – AM Class | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Bayhill 19-20 | ➕ |
Sponsored By: Caliber Part of the NewRez Family of Companies
Session Description: Learn about the lifecycle of the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) military move including marketing to the military what a servicemembers and their families want you to know.
Sponsor Remarks: Sterling Morales
Instructor:
- Michelle Crumley, NEC Member
PCS: Know Your Orders Class – PM Class | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Bayhill 19-20 | ➕ |
Sponsored By: Caliber Part of the NewRez Family of Companies
Session Description: Learn about the lifecycle of the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) military move including marketing to the military what a servicemembers and their families want you to know.
Sponsor Remarks: Sterling Morales
Instructor:
- Michelle Crumley, NEC Member
ROOM #5 – NEC Meeting Room | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Bayhill 21-22 | ➕ |
Private Meeting – By Invite Only
USA Homeownership National Board of Directors Meeting | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Bayhill 29-30 | ➕ |
Private Meeting – By Invite Only
Vendor Booth Set-up | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Regency Ballroom R | ➕ |
Vendors to Setup their Expo Booth
STAFF POC: Wyatt Harrison & Thomas Griffin
Becoming the Teacher: MVHC Instructor Skills Class | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Bayhill 25-26 | ➕ |
Session Description: This class is designed for current and future MVHC certified instructors to learn advance MVHC instructor tips and teaching techniques.
Facilitator/Instructor(s):
- Michelle Crumley, NEC Member
- Stephen DeMuth, NEC Member
Note: By Invite Only
Fundraising Events PEER Discussion Panel | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Bayhill 21-22 | ➕ |
Session Description: Fundraising is the cornerstone of any non-profit organization and while most everyone agrees that board members and volunteers play a key role in getting dollars in the nonprofit door. Attendees will hear from PEERS on what is working in an interactive and productive conversation.
Moderator:
- Ernie Gonzales, Association Director, VAREP
- Scott Robinson, VAREP Member, VAREP
Panelists:
- Kelly Hendrickson, President, Tacoma
- Eric Gardner, President, Hampton Roads
Mixers, Meeting, & Membership Building PEER Discussion Panel | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Bayhill 17 - 18 | ➕ |
Session Description: It is very important for each chapter to build a robust General Membership to help us carry out our mission. Attendees will hear from PEERS on what is working in an interactive and productive conversation.
Moderator:
- Pat Diomede, VAREP Chairman
- Christine Olfus, VAREP Board Member
Panelists:
- Isaac Chavez, President, Treasure Valley
- Jeff Hatfield, President, Las Vegas
Lunch and Learn PEER Discussion Panel | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Bayhill 19-20 | ➕ |
Session Description: Lunch and Learns is the best way chapters can educate the real estate, lending, and housing communities on all things veteran housing related. Attendees will hear from PEERS on what is working in an interactive and productive conversation.
Moderator:
- Jaimie Garrett, NEC Chair
- Sean Selters, NEC Member
Panelists:
- Carlene Johnson, President, Houston
- Fred Wulff, Education Director, San Antonio
Philanthropy (VAREPCares & VETCares) PEER Discussion Panel | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Bayhill 23 - 24 | ➕ |
Session Description: Philanthropy is a requirement all VAREP Chapters Cares and part of our mission as an organization. Helping those in need is not as easy as it sounds. Careful vetting is necessary to ensure we are giving a hand up and not handouts. Attendees will hear from PEERS on what is working in an interactive and productive conversation.
Moderators:
- Carla Lemon, Executive Director, VETCares
- Zena Krogedal, President, Prescott
Panelists:
- Nathan Bellows, President, Louisville
- Steve Bohanon, President, South Central Alaska
Welcome Reception & VETCares Fundraiser | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Howl at the Moon | ➕ |
Sponsored by: U.S. Bank
Sponsor Remarks: Lenny McNeill, EVP, National Strategic Markets and Consumer Lending - U.S. Bank
Location: Howl at the Moon Orlando
Description: Celebrate the start of the Leadership Academy with food and drinks while networking with industry leaders and other VAREP members while raising money for a worthy cause!
Moderators: Ernie Gonzales, Carla Lemon, & Lenny McNeill
Event Name | Timings | Location | Expand |
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Registration Desk | 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM | Regency Foyer | ➕ |
Breakfast | 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM | Regency Corridor | ➕ |
Featured: Hall of Fame Award Presentation to Certia Battles - Son Nguyen & Dustin Luce
Opening General Session – Freedom, Sacrifices, Support, & Servitude | 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Regency Ballroom O | ➕ |
Session Description: Attendees will hear from Gold Star Mom - Karen Vaughn. She is the mother of fallen US Navy SEAL Chief, Aaron Carson Vaughn (SEAL Team VI). On August 6, 2011, Aaron was killed in action in the Tangi River Valley of Afghanistan when a chopper (call sign Extortion 17) carrying thirty Americans was shot from the sky while rushing into battle. Over the past eleven years, Karen has emerged on the national scene as powerful spokeswoman for not only our defenders still fighting on foreign soil and securing peace across the globe, but also as an advocate for a stronger, safer, and more resilient America.
We will also have a fireside chat between VAREP National leadership and Cerita Battles, Head of Community & Affordable Lending, JP Morgan Chase
Moderator: Dustin Luce, Co-Founder, VAREP
- Color Guard, Pledge, National Anthem
Sponsor Remarks:
Brian Stablein, Executive Director, Community& Affordable Lending Sales Strategy | Home Lending |Chase
Session Speakers:
- Son Nguyen, President, VAREP
- Dustin Luce, Co-Founder, VAREP
- Karen Vaughn, Gold Star Mom
- Certia Battles, Managing Director, Head of Community & Affordable Lending, JP Morgan Chase
Private, Corporate, and Miscellaneous Meetings | 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM | Bayhill 29 -30 | ➕ |
Break – Walk to Breakout Sessions | 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM | Hyatt Regency | ➕ |
Breakout 1: The New Digital Landscape - - Brand, Connect and Grow your business in the Social Media and Digital Landscape | 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Bayhill 19-20 | ➕ |
Session Description: Welcome to "The New Digital Landscape" class, where we invite you to embark on a transformative journey to Brand, Connect, and Grow your business in the ever-evolving realm of Social Media and Digital Marketing. In this cutting-edge course, we will equip you with essential skills and insights to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape.
Understand the pulse of The New Consumer Landscape, where we decode the whereabouts of your potential customers and how to capture their attention. Embrace the future with confidence as we demystify AI for text and images, making it accessible to all. Discover how AI-powered tools, like ChatGPT, can enhance creativity and streamline your marketing efforts.
Whether you're an experienced marketer or a budding entrepreneur, this class offers invaluable insights to excel in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Join us now to unlock the secrets of successful branding, social media mastery, and harnessing the power of AI, setting your business on a trajectory of unrivaled success in the new digital age.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to future-proof your brand and thrive in the dynamic world of digital marketing. See you in class!
Presenter: Jonathan Breslow, Field Marketing Consultant Team Lead, PrimeLending Easter Division
Breakout 2: Empowering Your Homebuyers | 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Bayhill 21-22 | ➕ |
Session Description: We will discuss market trends, changing demographics among FTHB, Millennials and ethics diverse buyers, Challenges/ Opportunities and then uncover Freddie Mac’s key Affordable Mortgage Solutions along with Down Payment Assistance resources to help your Homebuyers Make Home Possible.
Presenter:
- Sam Noel, Affordable Lending Manager, Mission and Community Engagement, Single Family Division, Freddie Mac
Breakout 3: Balancing Life & Leadership | 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Bayhill 23-24 | ➕ |
Session Description: For professionals who are inspired to become more-self-aware leaders, you will want to participate in this powerful breakout session. The prerequisite to participate is to be open to learning. This hands-on highly interactive session moves quickly so bring you’re “A” Game.
The Marine Corps has 11 leadership principles and one of them is, “Know yourself and seek self-improvement.” This leadership principle is a great reminder to view learning and growth as a life-long discipline. However, this noble pursuit is a balancing act in life, as humans can have blind spots preventing them from learning and growing. It’s as basic as, if you don’t know what you don’t know, then you have blind spots. If you can relate, then join U.S. Bank’s breakout sessions and be introduced to an emerging coaching tool that helps with balancing life.
After presenting this leadership tool to nearly four-thousand people since 2006, countless participants have shared how it enhanced their view of life. It changed them in positively powerful ways. It’s inspiring to hear their stories and how this tool impacted them and thus the reason it’s here for you today. #payitforward
Presenter: • Shawn Mingus, VP, Retail Sales, U.S. Bank
Breakout 4: How is Chase Creating Possibilities for Real Estate Professionals & Their Clients | 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Bayhill 25-26 | ➕ |
Session Description: As the largest U.S. financial institution, helping veterans and servicemember families with home loans is just part of our story at JPMorgan Chase. Hear from a panel of senior JPMorgan Chase leaders who have served talk about our dedication to helping you and your clients succeed through business growth and entrepreneurship, financial health, and community development.
Moderator: Josh Shoemaker, Community Home Lending Advisor & Military Lending Program Manager
Panelists:
- Darius Toston, Lending Manager
- Adam Mischel, Private Client Advisor, Wealth Management
- Jason D. Scott, Business Banking, Greater South
Breakout 5: Perspective & Alternative Thinking – A Harvard Study | 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Bayhill 17-18 | ➕ |
Session Description: To change the way you think, change the way you see…Perspective is everything. We will discuss a Harvard case study about how Perspective is driving our business today. In a challenging working environment, we will need to change our views to ensure our declines are temporary and advancement are permanent as we work towards our business pinnacle.
We will also discuss different perspectives of the VA loan program, how AI and Chat GPT can be used to train 25,000 plus realtors/consumers, and how to build a business model for the future!
Presenter:
- David Smith, Branch Production Manager, Loan Depot
Break – Walking to Keynote Luncheon | 12:15 PM – 12:30 PM | Hyatt Regency | ➕ |
Keynote Luncheon: Leading Through Action – Real and Raw Insights | 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Regency Ballroom O | ➕ |
Description: Attendees will hear from Brigadier General (Ret.) Bob Hipwell. He is one of our own VAREPer. Hipwell has the distinction of serving as the president of the Sacramento chapter which is also the first VAREP chapter to be sworn in. Hipwell has a storied career with the U.S. Army staring as an E1 and retiring as Brigadier General. After military service, Hipwell had a full career with the FBI as a Task Force Officer, Private Investigator which he is retired from.
“Brigadier General (Ret.) Bob Hipwell stood out as a leader during the Surge in Iraq and in numerous other assignments, and Inspirational Leadership conveys why that was the case, capturing the essence of the dynamic leadership he provided. General Hipwell explains superbly the critical importance of a leader providing energy, example, competence, drive, and sincere compassion for those in the leader’s charge. And he shares wonderful vignettes from his storied career to illustrate powerfully the points he makes. Inspirational Leadership is a wonderful book by a great soldier and leader!”
-General David Petraeus, Former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, U.S. Central Command, and NATO/U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, and former Director of the CIA
Moderator: Dustin Luce, VAREP Co-Founder
Invocation: Ernie Gonzales, Association Director
Sponsor Remarks: Lindsey G. Streeter, SVP, Corporate Social Responsibility Program Manager
Speaker:
- Robert Hipwell, Brigadier General (Ret.), U.S. Army
Break – Walk to Breakout Sessions | 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM | Hyatt Regency | ➕ |
Breakout 6: The New Digital Landscape - - Brand, Connect and Grow your business in the Social Media and Digital Landscape | 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM | Bayhill 19-20 | ➕ |
Session Description: Welcome to "The New Digital Landscape" class, where we invite you to embark on a transformative journey to Brand, Connect, and Grow your business in the ever-evolving realm of Social Media and Digital Marketing. In this cutting-edge course, we will equip you with essential skills and insights to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape.
Understand the pulse of The New Consumer Landscape, where we decode the whereabouts of your potential customers and how to capture their attention. Embrace the future with confidence as we demystify AI for text and images, making it accessible to all. Discover how AI-powered tools, like ChatGPT, can enhance creativity and streamline your marketing efforts.
Whether you're an experienced marketer or a budding entrepreneur, this class offers invaluable insights to excel in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Join us now to unlock the secrets of successful branding, social media mastery, and harnessing the power of AI, setting your business on a trajectory of unrivaled success in the new digital age.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to future-proof your brand and thrive in the dynamic world of digital marketing. See you in class!
Presenter: Jonathan Breslow, Field Marketing Consultant Team Lead, PrimeLending Easter Division
Breakout 7: Empowering Your Homebuyers | 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM | Bayhill 21-22 | ➕ |
Session Description: We will discuss market trends, changing demographics among FTHB, Millennials and ethics diverse buyers, Challenges/ Opportunities and then uncover Freddie Mac’s key Affordable Mortgage Solutions along with Down Payment Assistance resources to help your Homebuyers Make Home Possible.
Presenter:
- Sam Noel, Affordable Lending Manager, Mission and Community Engagement, Single Family Division, Freddie Mac
Breakout 8: Balancing Life & Leadership | 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM | Bayhill 23-24 | ➕ |
Session Description: For professionals who are inspired to become more-self-aware leaders, you will want to participate in this powerful breakout session. The prerequisite to participate is to be open to learning. This hands-on highly interactive session moves quickly so bring you’re “A” Game.
The Marine Corps has 11 leadership principles and one of them is, “Know yourself and seek self-improvement.” This leadership principle is a great reminder to view learning and growth as a life-long discipline. However, this noble pursuit is a balancing act in life, as humans can have blind spots preventing them from learning and growing. It’s as basic as, if you don’t know what you don’t know, then you have blind spots. If you can relate, then join U.S. Bank’s breakout sessions and be introduced to an emerging coaching tool that helps with balancing life.
After presenting this leadership tool to nearly four-thousand people since 2006, countless participants have shared how it enhanced their view of life. It changed them in positively powerful ways. It’s inspiring to hear their stories and how this tool impacted them and thus the reason it’s here for you today. #payitforward
Presenter: • Shawn Mingus, VP, Retail Sales, U.S. Bank
Breakout 9: How is Chase Creating Possibilities for Real Estate Professionals & Their Clients | 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM | Bayhill 25-26 | ➕ |
Session Description: As the largest U.S. financial institution, helping veterans and servicemember families with home loans is just part of our story at JPMorgan Chase. Hear from a panel of senior JPMorgan Chase leaders who have served talk about our dedication to helping you and your clients succeed through business growth and entrepreneurship, financial health, and community development.
Moderator: Josh Shoemaker, Community Home Lending Advisor & Military Lending Program Manager
Panelists:
- Darius Toston, Lending Manager
- Adam Mischel, Private Client Advisor, Wealth Management
- Jason D. Scott, Business Banking, Greater South
Breakout 10: Perspective & Alternative Thinking – A Harvard Study | 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM | Bayhill 17-18 | ➕ |
Session Description: To change the way you think, change the way you see…Perspective is everything. We will discuss a Harvard case study about how Perspective is driving our business today. In a challenging working environment, we will need to change our views to ensure our declines are temporary and advancement are permanent as we work towards our business pinnacle.
We will also discuss different perspectives of the VA loan program, how AI and Chat GPT can be used to train 25,000 plus realtors/consumers, and how to build a business model for the future!
Presenter:
- David Smith, Branch Production Manager, Loan Depot
EXPO HALL and Networking Reception | 4:15 PM – 7:00 PM | Regency Ballroom R | ➕ |
Session Description: Visit our Expo area and discover what exhibitors are offering the military and veteran communities. Also, network with industry leaders and other VAREP members.
Sponsor Remarks: Rob Schroeder, Mortgage Retail Sales Director, Wells Fargo
Moderator: Dustin Luce, VAREP Co-Founder
Wells Fargo Housing Foundation Big Check Presentation - Rob Schroeder
- Connie, Thomas, Son & Dustin Photo with Wells Team
VAREP Leadership Council Formation Meeting | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Bayhill 29 -30 | ➕ |
Black Hawk Down Buffet Dinner Movie Night | 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Regency Ballroom O | ➕ |
Event Name | Timings | Location | Expand |
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Registration Desk | 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM | Regency Foyer | ➕ |
Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Regency Corridor | ➕ |
Enjoy your morning with a hosted breakfast
General Session #2 – Gauging Business Opportunities with Consumer Insights | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Regency Ballroom O | ➕ |
Sponsored By: Loan Depot
Sponsor Remarks: David Smith, Branch Production Manager, Loan Depot
Presented by: Freddie Mac
Session Description: Industry professionals are facing a challenging market environment coupled with ever-changing consumer needs. To connect and guide today’s homebuyer populations, a clear understanding of diverse segments, generational differences and unique borrower preferences are needed. Actionable insights allow housing industry professionals to deliver personalized solutions and an enhanced customer experience; driving repeat business, referrals and advocacy within communities.
Freddie Mac research and led by Yana Davidovich, Director of Market Research and Insights, attendees will gain an understanding of homeownership trends and the demographic and behavioral fundamentals prompting consumer choices. Learn how to leverage opportunity areas to inform your future business planning and solutions to propel engagement of prospective clients. You don’t want to miss this.
Additionally, attendees will hear from Major General James Hartsell (ret.) from the FL Department of Veterans’ Affairs on all programs and benefits available to veterans. He will give VAREP the directory to all of his colleagues in other states so we can be a resource for the veteran community across America.
Moderator:
- Dustin Luce, Co-Founder, VAREP
Presenters:
- Yana Davidovich, Market Research Team, Freddie Mac
- Major General James S. Hartsell, Marine (Ret.) & Executive Directory, FL Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Exhibit Hall Open | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Regency Ballroom R | ➕ |
Attendees are encouraged to visit and network with our Expo partners.
Exhibit Hall Vendor Breakdown | 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | Regency Ballroom R | ➕ |
Vendors Breakdown booths
Leadership Training #1: Creating SMART Goals for Nonprofits | 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM | Bayhill 17-18 | ➕ |
Session Description: All nonprofit organizations regardless of size or industry should have goals. Goals help a nonprofit reach its mission one step at a time and ultimately serve the community better. Without strategic goals, nonprofit is left without a roadmap to achieve your desired results. Are you and your VAREP Chapter consistently creating SMART goals?
Facilitators: Dustin Luce, Co-Founder, VAREP
Leadership Training #2: Tips & Insights to Creating Compelling Sponsorship Packages for Nonprofits | 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM | Bayhill 19-20 | ➕ |
Session Description: No nonprofit ever made it to the top on its own! Relationships with partner organizations, major donors and corporate sponsors not only bring in funding, but they also establish credibility in your larger community. The key to hooking those connections? Sponsorship packages! We will explore, discuss, and review the structure of the VAREP identity, how to package so your potential partners can’t say no!
Facilitators: Ernie Gonzales, Association Director, VAREP
Leadership Training #3: Building, an Effective Board & Leaving a Lasting Legacy | 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM | Bayhill 21-22 | ➕ |
Session Description: The title to the session is easier said than done! A nonprofit board must be comprised of individuals who are committed to the organization’s mission and have the skills and expertise to help it achieve its goals.
Choosing the right board members is essential for the success of a nonprofit organization. Board members should possess the skills, experiences, and passions that align with the organization’s mission and goals. They should also be committed to the organization’s values and have a desire to make a positive impact on their community.
To recruit the right board members, nonprofits should have a clear understanding of the skills and experiences they need to achieve their mission.
Nonprofits should also be proactive in seeking out candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This can help to ensure that the board reflects the diversity of the community and can bring a range of perspectives and ideas to the organization.
Once selected, board members should be provided with the support and resources they need to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This may include training, mentoring, and regular communication and feedback.
We will examine these components in detail and the results we’ve have gotten in the past 12 years – A Legacy for the ages!
Facilitators:
- Son Nguyen, Founder/President, VAREP
- Pat Diomede, Chairman, VAREP
MVHC Instructor Mastermind | 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM | Bayhill 25-26 | ➕ |
Invite Only
Facilitators:
- Jaimie Garrett, NEC Chair, VAREP
- Stephen DeMuth, NEC Member
- Michelle Crumley, NEC Member
- Sean Selters, NEC Member
Pre-Award Dinner Cocktail Reception | 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Regency Ballroom R | ➕ |
Sponsored Description: Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and network with VAREP members.
Sponsored By: Property Masters
Moderator: Dustin Luce, VAREP Co-Founder
Leadership Awards Dinner Gala: Celebrating Your Accomplishments! | 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Regency Ballroom O | ➕ |
Sponsored By: VAREP
Event Description: We celebrate our chapter’s accomplishments throughout the year through the awards presentations. VAREP National and all VAREP Nation will recognize all the recipients.
Attendees will hear First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s amazing and inspirational story. He enlisted in the Army as an infantryman in December 1987, and was stationed at Fort Drum, NY, with the 10th Mountain Division. In 1992, he reenlisted and arrived at Fort Benning, GA, for his assignment in the 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He spent eight-and-a-half years in the Regiment, serving as a squad leader, a weapons squad leader, the battalion air operations sergeant, the battalion liaison sergeant, and a platoon sergeant. Matt was also the officer in charge of the 75th Ranger Regiment’s Pre-Ranger Course that helped train future leaders to pass the grueling Army Ranger School.
In August of 1993, Matt and his company deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, in support of Operation Gothic Serpent, which later became the basis for the critically acclaimed book and movie “Black Hawk Down.” During the intense battle in Mogadishu, Matt displayed exceptional courage and leadership, earning him the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Matt’s last military assignment was as an Infantry Company First Sergeant in the 10th Mountain Division. He and his men spent 15 months in Iraq during “the surge,” where they fought against Al-Qaeda and implemented counter-insurgency strategies.
After retiring from the military in 2008, Matt co-founded Eversmann Advisory, a consulting firm based in West Palm Beach. As a Partner, his focus is on preparing young leaders to enter and succeed in the professional workforce. Additionally, Matt has made significant contributions as an Emmy award-winning documentarian and has co-authored three New York Times best-selling books with James Patterson. Their latest book, “Walk the Blue Line,” was released in February 2023, and they are currently collaborating on their sixth book.
Attendees witnessed the 2022 Hall of Fame induction in San Antonio, however, three members of the 2022 class were not able to participate – We will proudly induct these members tonight!
We will update you on existing programs; introduce you to new ones and close out the night with pushups and our coining ceremony!
Moderators: Dustin Luce & Son Nguyen
Invocation: Dustin Luce
Missing Man Table Ceremony: Pat Diomede
TAPS TUBA Edition: Larry Laws
Singer/Entertainment:
- America the Beautiful – Ray Charles
- Love Wins – Carrie Underwood
Inspirational Speaker: First Sergeant Matt Eversmann (Ret.)
Recognition: NEC Committee: Jaimie Garrett
Leadership Awards Presentation Ernie Gonzales
- 2023 Rookie Chapter Award
- 2023 Top Fundraising Chapter
- 2023 Top Lunch and Learn Events
- 2023 MVHC Award
- 2023 Gold Star Award
- 2023 President’s Circle
- 2023 Chairman’s Circle
2022 Hall of Fame Induction Continued... Son Nguyen & Dustin Luce
- Lenny McNeill
- Bryan Bergjans
VETCares Updates - Carla Lemon
- MVEG, CCCG, & SDP Update
- Camp Cares Update
- PUSH UP TIME!
USA, VETCares, & VAREP NBOD Recognition Son Nguyen
VAREP National Staff Recognition Son Nguyen
Coining Ceremony: National Board
Singer/Entertainment:
- Hallelujah – Veteran Edition
- God Bless the USA – Lee Greenwood