2nd Annual Salute to America's Heroes Gala

The 2nd Annual 'A Salute to America's Heroes' Gala

Serving Those Who Served

It's our turn to give back and support the Veterans who have given so much for us. Join us at the stunning Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis to learn more about The Patriot Fund and help raise vital funds for Veterans in need. Every dollar raised brings treatment, and every treatment saves lives.

The Crane Bay Event Center offers a unique, modern space with a versatile design and breathtaking views of the Downtown Indianapolis skyline. Following the success of our inaugural 2024 Indianapolis fundraiser, we are thrilled to make this an annual tradition.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our Veteran community.

Event Date:  Friday, August 22, 2025

Event Timeline

4:30pm Registration 

5:00pm Cocktail Hour

6:00pm Dinner 

6:45 Keynote Speaker - Mark Greene 

8:00pm Entertainment 

 Our Opening Speaker
Vann Morris

Evangelo "Vann" Morris is a U.S. Navy retired Surface Warfare Officer and Afghanistan deployed Combat Veteran who has traveled to 45 countries and is on a mission to Heal America. His wife (Rita) and three sons are all proud U.S. Veterans.  In 2001, Vann and his team seized 14 tons of pure cocaine during a Colombian drug raid - the largest drug bust in U.S. maritime history. 

Vann is a former nuclear powered ballistic missile Submariner, with an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School, in Monterey, CA. and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology from the University of Memphis. His last two tours of duty are the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and the United States Special Operations Command in Tampa, FL.  Parallel with his military career, Vann has been public speaking for 20 years to honor all those who serve our great nation and to teach our children the value of Freedom.

Our Keynote Speaker
Mark Greene

Lieutenant (Ret.) Mark Greene is a former member of Naval Special Warfare, best known as the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams. He graduated with honors from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training as part of Class 212 in 1997. Upon completing training, Mark was assigned to SEAL Team FIVE in San Diego, where he deployed twice to the Pacific Theater, conducting Special Operations including missions following the events of September 11.

In 2001, Mark graduated from the Naval Special Warfare Sniper School and went on to execute specialized sniper missions. Following his deployments, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Excelsior College. In January 2004, he achieved a significant milestone by earning a commission as a Navy SEAL Officer. He was then assigned to SEAL Team EIGHT as an Assistant Officer in Charge, deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he conducted sniper missions across the region.

After a successful deployment, Mark was assigned to Special Boat Team TWENTY as the Officer in Charge of a Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery Team (MCADS), deploying again to the Pacific Theater in support of other government agencies conducting special operations. He later pursued higher education, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with honors from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2008, where he was also recognized with an Outstanding Thesis Award.

Following his graduate studies, Mark returned to SEAL Team EIGHT as Officer in Charge, leading his team on deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where they conducted continuous operations over a six-month period. After nearly two decades of service, Mark retired from Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR in 2016.

Post-military, Mark transitioned to a career in higher education, joining the President's Staff at the University of Southern California (USC). There, he played a pivotal role in supporting Veterans and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of reintegration into civilian life. In 2020, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from USC.

Today, Mark serves as a Senior Analyst in Corporate Intelligence and Security at Dominion Energy (Virginia). He is also the bestselling author of UNSEALED: A Navy SEAL's Guide to Mastering Life's Transitions.

Our Entertainment
Scotty Hasting

"For me, the demons of PTSD knock the loudest when it's quiet. When I have a guitar in my hands, I find peace," says songwriter, artist, and Army Veteran Scotty Hasting.
Narrowly escaping death, Hasting is now on a mission to help anyone struggling with loss or mental health find solace through his music. His follow-up to the patriotic and heartfelt debut EP I'm America, Purple Heart recipient and Black River artist Scotty Hasting's lighthearted "Pro Beer" (coming 3/7) will surely be a summer favorite. Written by Jimi Bell, Josh Jenkins, and Bryan Simpson, Hasting loved the tune upon first listen. "It's all about having a good time and not taking ourselves too seriously," shared Hasting. In the accompanying music visualizer, Hasting raises a red Solo cup in a nod to the late Country music legend Toby Keith. Watch it HERE. In support of the new music this year, Scotty continues to play shows nationwide and partner with great organizations, including Pen Fed Foundation, CreatiVets, Guitars 4 Vets, and Operation Encore. Despite only first picking up a guitar in 2020, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky native signed to Black River at the end of 2023 and has since released "Til The Last Shot's Fired" with Lee Brice and Dolly Parton (10/18), in addition to his debut EP, I'm America (5/3), featuring his debut single on Black River, "How Do You Choose," and more. The "promising, impactful debut" (Billboard) details Hasting's first visit to best friend Adam Hamilton's tombstone following his death. Having found his escape from PTSD through archery and music, the "'I'm America' hitmaker" (People Magazine) has already opened for incredible artists, including Lee Brice, Dave Grohl, Chris Janson, Jelly Roll, Craig Morgan, Parmalee, Tanya Tucker, and more. In 2024, Hasting partnered with Operation Democracy and represented the U.S. with multiple per formances in Normandy, France, during a week-long celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day (exclusive People photo diary HERE) before stepping into the coveted Circle for his Grand Ole Opry debut (7/28) during the Opry'scelebration of 30 years of "Forrest Gump."  In April of 2011, the former Army Infantryman with the 1st Infantry Division 4th Squadron 4th Cavalry was left fighting for his life, flying out of Afghanistan on a medivac after being shot ten times.  

Visit us at:  Patriot Fund Inc.
 

Q:" Why not give the money directly to the Operating Partners?" 

A: In addition to a list of reporting requirements, every year our due diligence team reviews the financials of each OP to make sure they are still in line with our strict financial requirements.   

Q: "How much money does The Patriot Fund receive and give?"

A: In 2024, we raised $1,700,000 and are distributing the funds less event expenses in amounts ranging from $2,500 to $115,000 to 24 Operational Partners!

Q: "I cannot make this date, how can I still help?"

A: Purchase Sponsorships, attend the dinners/galas, and offer to assist our planning teams for events.  Contact us at admin@patriotfundinc.org and we'll figure a way for you to get involved!  You can also donate at this link on our website or the donate section below.