Heroes Gala

IAVA’s Heroes Gala is an exciting evening of patriotism and inspiration. It’s our opportunity to recognize some amazing leaders who empower veterans. And it’s been an anticipated mainstay of Veterans Day events and culture for most of our 20 years!

2024 Honorees

The following awards will be presented on 11/7/2024:

Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Kenneth Fisher

Veteran Leadership Award

  • Staff Sergeant Aquilino Gonell

Civilian Leadership Award

  • Wayne Peacock

Award Descriptions

IAVA Lifetime Achievement Award

Occasionally, there are leaders who show a lifetime of commitment to veterans, a commitment that must be recognized. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to exceptional individuals who have been steadfast champions for the veterans’ movement. Past Lifetime Achievement Award honorees include Sen. Johnny Isakson, Bob McDonald, former Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and American hero Les Gelb. This award is reserved for those who showcase a strong and lasting commitment to veterans, and is awarded only when the recipient has shown a lifetime commitment to our community.

IAVA only occasionally bestows this incredible award.

Corporate Leadership Award Recipient

There are corporate leaders who show a lifetime of commitment to veterans, a commitment that must be recognized. The Corporate Leadership Award is an award presented to exceptional corporate leaders who have been steadfast champions for the veterans’ movement. The inaugural Corporate Leadership Award was presented in 2018 to HBO, Inc. Southwest Airlines received the second ever award. This is bestowed upon corporations who have consistently stepped up to the plate to provide needed financial support, in-kind support, and have invested in the post-9/11 veteran community.

IAVA only occasionally bestows this incredible award.

Past Award Recipients

Marvin L. Hill

2022 Veteran Leadership Award Recipient

Nicole Malachowski

2020 Veteran Leadership Award Recipient

David Goggins

2019 Veteran Leadership Award Recipient

Rob Riggle

2018 Veteran Leadership Award Recipient

Patrick Murphy

2016 Veteran Leadership Award Recipient

Daniel Rodriguez

2015 Veteran Leadership Award Recipient

Admiral Michael Mullen

2014 Veteran Leadership Award Recipient

Corporate Leadership Award Honorees

HIhghlight Videos from Past Galas

Jump to

2019 Sizzle Reel

2018 Sizzle Reel

2017 Sizzle Reel

2016 Sizzle Reel

IAVA Events

IAVA SALUTES

May 14, 2025
Location TBD
Washington, DC
Learn More

IAVA’s HEROES GALA

November 6, 2025
Location TBD
New York, NY
Learn More

Fuel IAVA's Mission

Generous donations raised at the Heroes Gala help support IAVA’s mission to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans.

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