by guest contributor Michael Stack
Photo credit: Evy Mages
Last Tuesday, Ford’s Theatre hosted a very special performance of Come From Away for veterans and their families. Sponsored by The Home Depot and Washingtonian, more than 400 veterans, service organizations, and Members of Congress were treated to an inspiring musical based on the true story of a small Canadian town that cared for more than 6,500 stranded airline passengers in the week of September 11, 2001.
Gary Sinise Foundation’s Judith Otter, TAPS’ Bonnie Carroll
Ford’s Theatre director Paul R. Tetreault welcomed veterans and introduced Sen. Johnny Isakson for brief remarks. Veterans Administration Secretary Robert McDonald also addressed the crowd and expressed his gratitude to our men and women who serve.
Sec. Robert McDonald, Sen. Johnny Isakson, Ford’s Theatre’s Paul Tetreault
The event also allowed guests to reflect on one of the greatest presidents of our nation. The historic Ford’s Theatre calls to mind President Abraham Lincoln, his support of veterans, and the principles of freedom and liberty which guided his presidency.
Rep. Brad Wenstrup and Monica Wenstrup, Sec. Robert McDonald
Adding to a rich history of supporting veterans and ending veteran homelessness, including hiring over 35,000 former servicemen and women, The Home Depot graciously underwrote the evening.
TAPS’ Bonnie Carroll, Semper Fi Fund’s Karen Guenther with other members of the group
“Student Veterans of America is grateful for the impact that The Home Depot has made on the lives of student veterans across the country.” said Jared Lyon, President & CEO of SVA. “The Home Depot has raised the bar by helping student veterans build veteran resource centers on their campuses, they have taken a leadership role in the development of chapter leaders through SVA’s Leadership Institute Series, and they have continued to support student veterans through social giving campaigns.”
Home Depot’s Kent Knutson, Rep. Mark Takano, Sec. Robert McDonald, Home Depot Foundation’s Shannon Gerber
The Home Depot Foundation has given $160M to veterans causes since 2011, and has recently pledged to grow its support to a quarter of a billion dollars by 2020. The Home Depot Foundation and Team Depot, a 300,000-strong army of associate volunteers, work to improve the homes and lives of U.S. military veterans and their families and aid communities affected by natural disasters. Through Team Depot, thousands of associates dedicate time and talents to these efforts in the communities where they live and work.
Home Depot Foundation’s Heather Prill, Student Veterans of America’s Jared Lyon and Michael Stack with other members of the group
Come From Away Trailer:
