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November 28, 2022OPERATION ALPHA 2022: Truly the “Biggest, Bestest” Veterans Day Party in the state!
We say this every year, but thankfully it’s true – this year was the BIGGEST & BESTEST Operation Alpha yet! 350 amazing people came out and enjoyed the evening – and helped us raise more than $125,000!
What is Operation Alpha?
Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery’s Founder and CEO, disabled U.S. Marine Corps veteran Travis Barnes, started Operation Alpha in 2014. He founded the annual event as a way to raise funds for HVAF’s operations, programs, and services.
Over the years, HVAF has raised thousands at each event – through ticket purchases, games, cigar & canteen cup purchases, and more. At first, the event took place at Hotel Tango, but we eventually outgrew the space. 2019, 2021, 2022’s events have taken place at The Biltwell Event Center (2020 was virtual due to COVID-19).
Operation Alpha 2022
The evening started with attendees enjoying Hotel Tango spirits & delicious food while playing some games – including a whisk(e)y pull and wine toss. The whisk(e)y pull is always a popular event. But we learned we need to get more bottles for next year – we sold out in minutes!
HVAF’s Marketing & Communications Manager Lauren Carpenter had a great time covering the event on Facebook Live. Check it out:
Later, VP for Support Bernie Kruse emceed the event – sharing details about the organization, cracking some jokes, showcasing top sponsors, and presenting the crowd favorite: The Grog Bowl Ceremony.
We are thankful for Bernie’s talents as this is the FIFTH Operation Alpha he has emceed! He puts a lot of time and effort into making sure the program is entertaining and meaningful.
Check out the program & Grog Bowl Ceremony below:
We know we can’t put on an amazing Operation Alpha each year without our amazing sponsors! Be sure to check out our Two Star, Three Star, and Four Star sponsors here.
HVAF’s VP for Advancement Ashlee Walls-Pierce has been the mastermind for Operation Alpha since 2019. She’s the reason it’s gotten bigger & better each year!
“Operation Alpha continues to get bigger and better every year! With more sponsors and attendees, we celebrated and honored Veterans Day like no other year before,” Ashlee said. “I was honored to share the evening with so many veterans in support of their brothers and sisters in need.”