SOUTH RIVER, NJ - Veterans, first responders and prominent veteran advocates from across the tri-state area will gather at VFW Post 1451 in South River on Friday, September 18, for an exclusive benefit supporting Aerial Recovery, a veteran-powered nonprofit that deploys highly trained teams around the world for disaster response and anti-human-trafficking missions.
The event will feature retired Navy SEAL and New York Times bestselling author Jason Redman, alongside Aerial Recovery co-founder and U.S. Army Special Forces veteran Jeremy Locke. The evening is sponsored by Patriot Seltzer, a veteran-led American brand.
At the heart of the evening is Aerial Recovery's mission: “Save Lives & Stop Evil.”
Aerial Recovery trains and deploys veterans and first responders as Humanitarian Special Operators, utilizing the skills and experience they developed during careers of service to respond to some of the world's most challenging situations. According to Aerial Recovery, its Humanitarian Special Operators have rescued more than 8,000 people in the past three years.
But their mission isn't limited to rescuing people overseas. It also focuses on helping the men and women doing the rescuing.
Through its Heal the Heroes Initiative, Aerial Recovery provides veterans and first responders with a year-long program focused on healing, community, renewed purpose and service. Participants can ultimately train as Humanitarian Special Operators, allowing them to once again put their experience to work on missions larger than themselves.
"One of the hardest things for many veterans is going from a life where you had a team, a purpose and a mission every day to suddenly wondering what comes next," said Jeremy Locke, an Army Special Forces veteran. "These men and women still have an incredible amount to give. Aerial Recovery gives them another mission.”
Joining Locke will be retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, whose own story has become synonymous with resilience and overcoming adversity.
In 2007, Redman and his team were ambushed during combat operations in Iraq. He suffered devastating wounds, including a gunshot to the face. His subsequent recovery, nearly 40 surgeries and return to duty became the foundation for his work as an author, speaker and veteran advocate.
"Service doesn't end when you take off the uniform," said Redman. "The men and women involved with Aerial Recovery prove that every time they step forward. They have taken adversity, experience and a lifetime of service and turned it into another mission - helping people who need them most. I'm proud to support that mission and proud to be part of this event."
Another special guest is Tim Brown, a retired FDNY firefighter and 9/11 survivor who responded to the World Trade Center attacks and lost many close friends that day. He has since become a nationally recognized speaker, author and advocate dedicated to preserving the legacy of those lost on September 11.
The September 18 gathering is designed to bring together an exclusive group of veteran and first-responder advocates, nonprofit leaders, community supporters, business leaders and other invited guests from throughout the tri-state area.
“With the 25th anniversary of 9/11 coming up, this event means a lot more to me than a social event. It embodies what veterans and first responders have experienced since that day,” Tim told LET.
How You Can Attend
The event is primarily invitation-only, although a limited number of tickets have been made available to members of the public who would like to attend to meet Jason, Tim and Jeremy and to support Aerial Recovery.
“There are many other veteran advocates in the area and we want to give them the opportunity to join us,” Zisa Levine, event coordinator, veteran advocate and owner of Rise Up Counseling, told LET.
The other event coordinator and veteran advocate, Dasha Bunks, Ph.D., added, “This event carries several layers of veteran advocacy and support, and that’s exactly what our veteran community needs right now.”
As the event's principal sponsor, Patriot Seltzer, will also provide guests with an opportunity to try its products during the evening. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting the event and its mission.
Proceeds from the evening will benefit Aerial Recovery and its humanitarian efforts.
The benefit will be held Friday, September 18, from 6–9 p.m. at VFW Post 1451 in South River, New Jersey.
For tickets and complete event information, visit SouthRiverVFW.com or email vfwpost1451@gmail.com with any inquiries.
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Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com.
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