A charity focused on cheering up the kids of National Guard and Reserve soldiers and those of wounded warriors is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with an Irish-themed cocktail gala Saturday at the newest Washington area resort, the Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Va.
The event for “Our Military Kids” will feature local lawmakers, including newly-elected Rep. Barbara Comstock, renowned Irish tenor Anthony Kearns, and Larry Michael, the “voice of the Washington Redskins” as MC. Sen. John McCain’s senior military advisor on the Senate Armed Services Committee, retired Col. James B. Hickey, instrumental in the capture of Saddam Hussein, will be a guest.
Our Military Kids hit the scene in 2005 in McLean, Va., and a year later expanded nationwide, as the nation sent thousands of Guard members and military reservists to war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gala co-chair Susan Allen, wife of former Virginia Sen. George Allen, said the charity fills a special need. Where typical military kids live on or near bases with services and social activities, the children of Guard and Reserve troops more often live in rural areas where money is short.
So the group raises funds to provide educational lessons and extracurricular activities to the children.
Allen has an understanding of the problem, herself the daughter of a dad who served in Vietnam and also a political spouse. When George Allen was on the campaign trail or traveling through the country, for example, her kids felt a bit lonely.
She’d sympathize but also offer some perspective. “The kids would say that dad can’t come to soccer or dad can’t be here for this event or whatever, and I’d say, ‘Hey, I grew up in a military family. At least we know that dad’s not somewhere being shot at,’” she told Secrets.
Martha-Ann Alito, event co-chair with Allen, agrees. Alito is the daughter of a U.S. Air Force air traffic controller.
The benefit takes place Saturday 6 p.m-9 p.m. and includes drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and pastries from Salamander pastry chef, Jason Reaves, winner of the Food Network’s LEGO Cake Challenge and son of a local volunteer legend, Rick Reaves. And Middleburg’s Greenhill Winery and Vineyards, founded by an Air Force veteran David Greenhill, is the wine sponsor.
Kearns will sing and has become a favorite in military circles, even recently singing at a tribute to Medal of Honor recipients. Last year he headlined the National Memorial Day Concert at the Capitol.
In a phone call from Ireland, where is preparing for an opera, Kearns said that providing music at events with lots of speakers can help round out and elevate the night. “I’m only one of many. If I can put my shoulder to the wheel like others, well, as they say, all boats rise with the rising tide.”
Added Michael, “any time I can do anything to support military personnel and especially their kids, it’s a no brainer.”
The benefit will also shine a light on the cause of female veterans, with retired Army Capt. Jas Boothe, who founded Final Salute, Inc. as a featured speaker.
Salamander General Manager Reggie Cooper said the resort “is honored to co-host this powerful event featuring Anthony Kearns, one of the world’s most beloved tenors, to recognize the work of Our Military Kids, a Virginia-based charity that does exemplary work nationwide in support of military families including those of our war wounded.”
And Our Military Kids Executive Director and Co-founder Linda Davidson said, “Our Military Kids is proud to partner with Salamander Resort to showcase our mission to support the children of deployed National Guard and Reserve personnel and the children of all Wounded Warriors. Their needs are so often overlooked, and we are grateful for this opportunity to spotlight their service while also listening to the talented Mr. Kearns.”
Tickets start at $100 and can be ordered here.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
