A Heroes’ Thanksgiving
The Steel Network, Durham | November 22nd, 2024
Thank You for Coming: A Heroes’ Thanksgiving
HBOT4Heroes hosted “A Heroes’ Thanksgiving” on November 22, 2024, in honor of our veterans. This heartfelt evening of gratitude, camaraderie, and celebration was generously hosted by The Steel Network in Durham. The event brought together heroes, their families, and supporters for an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner.
The evening was not only a tribute to veterans but also a gathering of the community to express gratitude for their service and sacrifices. Attendees enjoyed a delicious, festive meal and had opportunities for meaningful conversations with some of the brave individuals who served our country. It was a warm, welcoming evening dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have given so much.
A Night of Inspiration and Connection
Throughout the night, the focus remained on our veterans and their incredible stories. Five brave individuals shared moving testimonials about their experiences with PTSD and the life-changing impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). These testimonials reminded us all why our mission matters and underscored the importance of our continued support for those who have given so much for our freedom:
SGM Michael Merzke, USA (Ret.) shared a compelling story about the transformative healing power of oxygen therapy and its impact on his life.
SPC David Buzzard, USA reflected on how HBOT effectively addresses the physical and emotional injuries sustained during service.
SSG William Rickles, USA (Ret.) described the silent struggles many veterans face when left alone with their thoughts and how HBOT has provided hope.
CPT Hans Mumm, USA (Ret.) recounted his journey of recovery from injuries sustained during an IED strike, showcasing the resilience of the human body and spirit.
MAJ Karee White, USA (Ret.) offered a heartfelt perspective as the caretaker for her veteran daughter, Kimmy White, highlighting the unique challenges faced by military families.
We were honored to be joined by Rep. Greg Murphy, Dr. Ted Fogarty, and Edward di Girolamo. Each shared their profound respect and gratitude for our nation’s heroes. Together, we are paving the way—not just in North Carolina but across the entire country—to expand access to this transformative treatment for all who have served.
Hear from Our Speakers: Event Highlights
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Generous Hosts, The Steel Network
We are profoundly grateful to The Steel Network for their remarkable support and generosity in hosting “A Heroes’ Thanksgiving.” Their commitment to our mission made it possible to provide a special evening for veterans and their families, filled with gratitude, community, and connection. This gathering was a chance to honor those who served our country, and it would not have been possible without The Steel Network’s invaluable partnership.
We encouraged everyone to join us in thanking The Steel Network for their dedication to supporting veterans and making this memorable evening a reality. We also invited others to visit their website to learn more about the impactful work they do in our community.
Thank You to Our Dinner Sponsor, Geico
We were deeply grateful to Geico for their generous support as the Dinner Sponsor for “A Heroes’ Thanksgiving.” Their commitment made it possible for us to provide a meaningful and memorable evening for veterans and their families, honoring their service and sacrifices. This special gathering wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of sponsors like Geico, who stood with us in our mission to support those who have given so much for our country.
We extended our heartfelt thanks to the following Geico offices for their unwavering support:
Please take a moment to learn more about these wonderful sponsors, whose partnership made this event a reality.
Thank You to Our Bar Sponsor, Skyline Strategies
We extended our heartfelt gratitude to Skyline Strategies for their generous sponsorship of the bar at “A Heroes’ Thanksgiving.” Their support allowed us to offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere for our guests, creating an opportunity for camaraderie and celebration in honor of our veterans. Thanks to Skyline Strategies, our attendees enjoyed a festive and memorable evening together, raising a glass to the brave men and women who served our country.
Thank you, Skyline Strategies, for standing with us and making this special evening possible!
Join us in making a meaningful difference this holiday season through our Heroes’ Hope for the Holidays Silent Auction. Running from Veterans Day through Giving Tuesday, this exclusive online auction features an incredible lineup of items, experiences, and packages—all generously donated to support HBOT4Heroes’ mission of providing life-changing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to veterans with TBI and PTSD. Every bid you place helps fund essential treatments, bringing hope and healing to our nation’s heroes.
Auction Highlights:
- Unique Experiences – Bid on private dinners, exclusive trips, and more.
- Gift Packages – Perfect for holiday gifting, including curated baskets, local services, and themed bundles.
- Memorabilia and Collectibles – Rare and autographed items to treasure or gift.
- Local Business Offerings – Showcase of community talents, from dining to wellness.
How to Participate:
- Register to Bid – Simply click the “Register to Bid” button and follow the steps. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
- Browse & Bid – Explore our curated items and experiences. Place bids on your favorites and check back often to stay in the lead!
- Celebrate Your Win! – Winners will be notified after the auction closes. We’ll provide details on how to collect your items and enjoy your winnings.
A Gift with Purpose
Every item in our auction is more than just a gift; it’s a direct contribution to the care of our veterans. Supporters, like you, are making vital treatments possible, and every bid brings us closer to our goal.
Stay tuned as new items are added regularly, and don’t miss out on this opportunity to shop with impact. Happy bidding!
Thank You to Our In-Kind Donors
We’re thrilled and grateful to see our list of in-kind donors growing, each one contributing exceptional items for our silent auction at A Heroes’ Thanksgiving. The generosity of our donors has brought a fantastic range of unique and valuable items to the table—and there’s even more to come!
Stay tuned, and check back often as we get closer to the event. Our silent auction will officially open during the dinner, and we can’t wait for you to explore the wonderful offerings available. If you’d like to support the cause by donating items or services, we warmly welcome your generosity!
In-Kind Donor Benefits Include:
- Display of name/logo on a card at the auction table
- Name and link listed on our event site
- Recognition in printed event materials
- Social media recognition, with tags and posts to highlight your brand or business
- Showcase opportunity for your brand or business to a diverse audience, highlighting your support for veterans and community engagement
To join our list of generous donors, please download and mail your donation form, or complete the form online below. Thank you for making a difference!
About HBOT4Heroes
HBOT4Heroes is dedicated to providing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).