Palisades Post 283 sponsors the inaugural Military & Veterans Entertainment Awards
On May 24, the historic Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills transformed into a red carpet showcase of patriotism, talent and camaraderie as over 600 attendees gathered for the inaugural Military & Veterans Entertainment Awards. Sponsored by the American Legion Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283, the event honored the artistic achievements of military veterans and service members in film, television, and digital media.
Air Force veteran and co-host BJ Lange set the tone early, emphasizing the importance of recognizing veterans who have transitioned into the entertainment industry. “There are so many amazingly talented veterans and servicemembers who work in the industry,” Lange said. “They are the storytellers and they keep the legacy going. They inspire patriotism and bring the stories of our lifestyle to the big screen or the small screen.”
His co-host, Navy Reserve officer and Marine veteran Amy Forsythe, echoed his sentiment, noting that veterans bring unique skills to production. “We take those skills that we learned in the military and apply it to being on set, whether in front of or behind the camera,” she said.
The evening featured awards in traditional categories like Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director, as well as categories reflecting the evolving media landscape — such as recognition for influencers and short-form digital creators. One standout moment was the presentation of the Best Film Writer award to Army veteran Simone Silva for her short film “Code Specter”, set in the reportedly haunted halls of Hollywood’s American Legion Post 43.
“I didn’t want to make just another film,” Silva shared. “I wanted to make a tribute — to the spirits, to the history, to the veterans. This film is by veterans, for veterans. A majority of the cast and crew were veterans themselves.” Her project, full of hidden references to Legion history, was a love letter to the veteran community and the sacred spaces they inhabit.
The night also included heartfelt tributes to those who have served and sacrificed. Medal of Honor recipient Gary Littrell was in attendance, as was Gold Star mother Paula Knauss-Selph, whose son, Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Christian Knauss, was killed during the 2021 Kabul airport attack.
Post 283 Commander Joe Ramirez, the event’s principal organizer, explained the motivation behind launching the awards: “There’s a little frustration in that the community doesn’t recognize veteran stories and creators enough. So we said, let’s do it ourselves. Let’s come together and tell the world.”
In keeping with his commitment to honoring the past, Ramirez also introduced a unique category: Best Vietnam Short Documentary, awarded to “A Place of Honor”. “I’m very passionate about Vietnam veterans,” he said, “and this is about bringing attention and awareness not just to the work, but to the people and stories behind it.”
Among the many veteran performers recognized was Navy veteran and “Stranger Things” actor Jennifer Marshall. “This was long overdue,” she said. “Joe did a great job putting this together. It’s so nice to see my fellow brothers and sisters recognized for all they’ve accomplished.”
Marshall also reflected on the role of The American Legion in her life after service. “They gave me a place where I felt welcome after leaving the military and I had this huge hole in my heart,” she said.
With its enthusiastic turnout, emotional depth, and dazzling talent, the first Military & Veterans Entertainment Awards set a new precedent for veteran recognition in media. As Lange put it, “We all rise up together.” And with the support of The American Legion and a growing network of veterans in entertainment, the future looks bright — and full of stories worth telling.
- News