This year was the BIGGEST & BESTEST Operation Alpha yet! A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, community partners, and attendees who made this incredible night possible. A Special thanks to Harrah’s for being a presenting sponsor for the second year in a row. HVAF had an event high in number of sponsorships for Operation Alpha 2025.

Thanks to your support we were able to raise a total of $220,000 for veterans in need!

What is Operation Alpha?

Veteran Guest Speakers

Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery’s Founder, 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 sponsorships, ticket purchases, games, cigar & canteen cup purchases, and more. At first, the event took place at Hotel Tango, but we eventually outgrew the space. Since 2019, we’ve hosted Operation Alpha at The Biltwell Event Center.

Operation Alpha 2025

Guests Starting Their Night!

The evening started with attendees enjoying Hotel Tango spirits, Upland beer, and wine from The Wine Group while playing some games- including a whiskey pull and wine toss.

This year, we were able to integrate a silent auction at Operation Alpha! This made it possible for guests to bid on certain prizes such as a round of golf at French Licks Resort’s Pete Dye Golf Course, or even a one week stay at Siesta Key.

Our DJ, Nathan Gregory of First-Class Sound & Light of Indianapolis, did an amazing job creating an enjoyable atmosphere for our guests. Along with music throughout the event, he also brought along a photo booth. Due to his love for HVAF’s mission, Nathan did Operation Alpha at no cost!

Center Stage

Later, former VP of  Support Bernie Kruse emceed the event – sharing details about the organization, cracking some jokes, showcasing top sponsors,

introducing guest speakers, and presenting the crowd favorite: The Grog Bowl Ceremony!

We appreciate all of the time and effort every year he puts in to ensure the program is both entertaining and impactful.

Huge shoutout to our two veteran guest speakers, Shawnah Gutierrez and Monteque Evans who were left with a standing ovation from the audience, by telling their heartwarming stories of how HVAF played a major role in their lives post military, setting them up for success & sustainability.

None of this is possible without our Vice President of Advancement, Ashlee Walls Pierce. Since 2019, she has been the leader in making sure Operation Alpha each year is the BIGGEST and BESTEST!

Check out the Exclusive Video Shared with the Audience!

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