About Salute to America's Veterans

This event will raise funds in support of two extraordinary organizations:

This outstanding event honors the courage and contributions of veterans across generations who have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedom and liberty. It also raises vital funds for two organizations making a meaningful difference in the lives of active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.

We invite you to consider being part of this important mission through a corporate or personal sponsorship. Your support will help honor those who have served while directly contributing to programs that strengthen and transform the lives of military families.

2026 Featured Speaker

Shawn Daniel

President, Darby's Warrior Support

Colonel (Ret.) Shawn Daniel is a decorated Infantry officer,
combat leader, and veteran advocate from Little Rock,
Arkansas. A 1993 graduate of the United States Military
Academy and a 2014 National Security Fellow at the Harvard
Kennedy School, Shawn served 24 years in the U.S. Army,
including 7 tours in Afghanistan and 1 in Iraq, accumulating
more than five years in combat. He commanded at both the
company and battalion levels in combat and held key
operational roles overseeing units of up to 4,000 personnel.
His awards include 4 Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantryman
Badge, and the Master Parachutist Badge with Combat Star.
He was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame (2022) and
the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame (2024). Since retiring in
2017, Shawn has led Darby's Warrior Support, a 501(c)(3)
providing all-inclusive hunting, fishing, and outdoor
experiences for Special Operations veterans. Under his
leadership, DWS opened a 10-bedroom lodge in 2025 to
expand year-round support.
Shawn and his wife, Dena, have been married for more than
28 years and are proud parents of two accomplished
children. He often says his greatest role has always been
being a Dad.

Bruce Bleakley

Lt. Col. Bruce A. Bleakley, USAF (Ret.)

Bruce Bleakley earned his Private Pilot’s license the summer after high school graduation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Tulsa with bachelor’s degrees in both Education and Aerospace Studies and was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities for 1966-1967. During a career in aviation spanning six decades, including 20 years as a U.S. Air Force pilot, he accumulated over 5,000 hours of flying time in a variety of aircraft from light airplanes to supersonic jets to four-engine transports. In the 1980s, he earned both a master’s degree in aviation technology from Arizona State University and an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Bleakley later served as Executive Director of the San Diego Aerospace Museum before becoming Museum Director of the Frontiers of Flight Museum near Love Field, a position from which he retired in 2017. In addition to a manual on flying multi-engine aircraft, he has written five books about North Texas aviation history. His most recent book, Dallas Love Field, an illustrated history of the airport, was released in the fall of 2023 by Arcadia Publishing.

Master of Ceremonies Steve Eagar

Steve Eagar is a reporter and evening news anchor for Fox 4 News. Eagar is also the guy who takes the abuse and doles out equal portions of facts, humor and sarcasm in the highly successful Fox 4 News segment called the "Viewer’s Voice."

Steve’s early life was focused on sports, eventually earning a baseball scholarship to Brigham Young University. He was drafted three times by major league baseball teams; the Cincinnati Reds, the San Francisco Giants, and finally the Detroit Tigers with whom he signed a contract and played three seasons in the Tiger’s minor league system.

After baseball, Steve returned to BYU and completed his communications degree with an emphasis on broadcast news. He worked in Yuma, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada and Salt Lake City, Utah before arriving at Fox 4 in the Dallas-Fort Worth market more than 25 years ago.

Steve has three adult children and four grandchildren. He is active on social media, skilled in snark… and loves golf.

American Bombshells - American Patriotic Services

Ambassadors of America's Gratitude, traveling the globe with an All-American Show that dazzles in three-part harmony!

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2025 Recap

21st Annual Salute to America’s Veterans – A Triumph of Patriotism and Honor

On November 5, 2025, The Rotary Club of Dallas proudly hosted the 21st Annual Salute to America’s Veterans, a heartfelt tribute honoring the brave men and women who have defended our nation's freedoms. Held beneath the historic aircraft displays at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, the event brought together veterans, active-duty service members, Rotarians, and community leaders in a powerful expression of gratitude, patriotism, and unity.

A highlight of the afternoon was an insightful and timely presentation by David J. Kramer, Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute and Vice President of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Mr. Kramer shared a compelling perspective on the war in Ukraine and America's role in supporting democracy and global security, providing attendees with meaningful context on today's international challenges.

The program opened with a warm welcome from longtime emcee Jody Dean, followed by a spirited performance by the American Bombshells. As modern ambassadors of gratitude inspired by the Andrews Sisters, they delivered a patriotic musical tribute featuring favorites such as God Bless the USA, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and The Star-Spangled Banner. Their performance celebrated the enduring spirit of America while recognizing the 250th anniversaries of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

Cadets from Faith Family Academy proudly presented the colors, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and offered the invocation with precision and dignity. Serving as greeters throughout the event, they set a tone of respect and reverence that resonated among the 359 attendees, many of whom were American heroes themselves.

World War II veteran and esteemed Rotarian Linus Wright—former U.S. Under Secretary of Education and Past District 5810 Governor—had the honor of introducing Mr. Kramer and presenting him with the Perot Patriot Leadership Award. Named in recognition of Ross Perot's longstanding commitment to veterans and military service members, the award celebrates exceptional leadership and dedication to those who serve our nation.

The 2025 Salute to America's Veterans raised more than $110,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and silent auction proceeds, reflecting the community's deep commitment to honoring military service. Of the event's 46 sponsors, 61% were Rotarians, demonstrating the Rotary Club of Dallas' unwavering support for veterans and active-duty personnel. The Perot Family Foundation further strengthened this legacy by committing to continue its sponsorship through 2027 with annual contributions of $25,000.

Proceeds from the event benefited USO DFW and the George W. Bush Institute's Veterans and Military Families Initiative, with $50,000 distributed in 2025 alone. Since its inception, the Salute has generated significant support for organizations serving veterans and military families, standing as a lasting symbol of Texas-sized gratitude and American unity.

Since 2005, the Salute to America's Veterans has honored more than 2,700 veterans in person and welcomed 8,686 attendees, reflecting the enduring strength of community support and shared patriotism. Each year, approximately 400 veterans, active-duty service members, Rotarians, and community members gather to celebrate those who have answered the call to serve.

The success of this event is made possible through the dedication of countless volunteers and committee members, including Charles Ashcraft, David Cross, Bryan Market, Josh Theodore, Rosanna Sandlin, April Koestner, Hubert Zajicek, Mary Rock, Jim Frankiewicz, Charles Dowden, Cyndi Janssen, Chris Castle (Club President), and many others. Their commitment behind the scenes exemplifies the very values the Salute seeks to honor: service, duty, honor, and love of country.

The Rotary Club of Dallas extends its deepest gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve in our nation's military. God bless the men and women of our Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.