The American Legion’s Veterans Inaugural Ball — Salute to Heroes, featuring Medal of Honor recipients, members of Congress, entertainers and others, will be Jan. 20.
The American Legion has assembled an impressive cast of members of Congress, military officials and entertainers as part of its Veterans Inaugural Ball — Salute to Heroes. The inaugural ball pays tribute to Medal of Honor recipients, dozens of whom will be in attendance.
Since its inception in 1953, this inaugural ball has welcomed either the president or the vice president of the United States.
The Veterans Inaugural Ball will be held Jan. 20 at the Westin DC Downtown in Washington, D.C. Learn more here.
Serving as emcee this year is Emily Compagno, who is a co-host of “Outnumbered” on FOX News Channel. An attorney, she is also the author of "Under His Wings" which debuted as a New York Times No. 1 bestseller. A descendant of distinguished Navy and Army veterans, Compagno examines the role of faith in the lives of U.S. servicemembers during wartime in her book.
Compagno had the honor of being one of five NFL cheerleaders to visit U.S. troops stationed throughout Iraq and Kuwait on a USO tour in 2009 for the Oakland Raiders. She holds a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Washington, where she was awarded the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps' Cadet of the Quarter Award.
Other scheduled speakers include:
• Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., a former Navy SEAL who retired as a commander in 2008.
• Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.
Additionally, celebrity chef Robert Irvine will be in attendance and provide the dessert while current Army soldier Austin von Letkemann (aka MandatoryFunDay on Instagram) will serve up his special brand of entertainment.
The Veterans Inaugural Ball - Salute to Heroes is a time-honored inaugural tradition that is organized by a steering committee of veterans organizations and hosted by The American Legion.
- News