Event Recap
Thank You for Joining Us!
A heartfelt thank you to all who attended our Evening of Bravery Gala on March 15th, 2025! Your support, generosity, and presence made this year’s event a tremendous success in our mission to help veterans heal through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).
Honoring Our Heroes
We came together to celebrate resilience, courage, and healing. Through powerful testimonials, special recognitions, and the sharing of challenge coins, we honored those who serve and the work being done to support them on their journey toward wellness.
2025 Superhero Award
– Major TJ Dunphy
2025 Superhero Award
– Major TJ Dunphy
This year’s Superhero Award was presented to Major TJ Dunphy, a retired Marine with 28 years of service and one of HBOT4Heroes’ very first Ambassadors.
After completing his own HBOT treatment, TJ immediately stepped up to help others—educating fellow veterans and caregivers, representing HBOT4Heroes at events across Jacksonville, NC, and becoming a passionate advocate for the cause.
TJ’s commitment, leadership, and heart for service continue to make a lasting impact in our mission to stop military suicide.
Thank you, Major Dunphy, for your service—then and now.
Event Highlights
Relive the night through a collection of unforgettable moments:
- Velvet Rodeo’s live performance
- Our Silent & Live Auctions
- Emcee, Henry Hinton, Talk of the Town
- The emotional testimonials
- Award presentations
- Key Note Speaker, Dinesh D’Souza
The evening began with heartfelt opening remarks from Edward di Girolamo, Executive Director of HBOT4Heroes. His message reminded us why we were gathered—to honor our veterans, to share their stories, and to support their healing through HBOT. His words set a powerful and emotional tone for the night ahead.
Opening Remarks from Edward di Girolamo
Watch the Testimonial Videos
Karee White
Mike Merzke
Billy Rickles
Dan Campbell
Dinesh D’Souza
We were honored to welcome Dinesh D’Souza as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Evening of Bravery.
A distinguished writer, scholar, and award-winning filmmaker, D’Souza shared a powerful message about patriotism, purpose, and perseverance, speaking directly to the spirit of service that defines our veterans and our mission.
Born in India and arriving in the U.S. as an exchange student, D’Souza graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College and went on to become one of the country’s most recognized voices in public policy. His remarks left a lasting impression, reminding us all of the values worth fighting for—and the heroes who do so.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors & Partners
Missed the Event? You Can Still Support!
You can still donate to support veterans and help us reach even more heroes in need of healing.
Stay Connected
Email: support@hbot4heroes.org
Phone: (919) 874-5754
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Use hashtag #EveningOfBravery to view and share your favorite moments!