Where Heritage Met Heroism: Thank You for an Unforgettable Gala of Valor
On Saturday, Oct. 17, veterans, families, advocates, and partners gathered at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa for Burn Pits 360's 2026 Gala of Valor. Together, you raised more than $80,000 for toxic-exposed veterans and their families.
This year's theme, "Where Heritage Meets Heroism," celebrated a legacy of service and the Latino heritage woven through it.
A Night of Honor
Air Force veterans Chaunté N. Hall, Ph.D., and Jimmy Anderson guided the evening as our emcees. San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, also an Air Force veteran, offered welcoming remarks. John Feal, 9/11 responder, veteran, and advocate joined us as our special guest who gave out signed copies of his new book I Will Follow You Anywhere.
We were proud to recognize leaders who have fought for toxic-exposed veterans in Congress, in courtrooms, in clinics, and in their own communities. Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey and U.S. Reps. Mark Takano and Morgan Luttrell received the SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act Service Award. U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani and Chris Pappas, co-authors of the AIR CARE for Vets Act, received our new Burn Pits 360 Congressional Advocacy Award for Veterans Health.
One of the most moving moments of the night was the Oscar Wyatt Legacy of Valor Award, presented posthumously to Ramiro "Ram" Chavez of Corpus Christi. Ram served as an Army medic in Vietnam and founded the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi. His family accepted the award in his honor.
We also celebrated the people who keep this work going every day, including our Volunteers of the Year, Carlos and Sylvia Avila and John Pizana. See the full list of 2026 honorees.
What Your Support Makes Possible
"Every seat at this table pays for something real," said Rosie Torres, executive director and co-founder of Burn Pits 360. The gala funds the work that happens between the headlines: oxygen concentrators for veterans who need them, claims filed for families navigating the VA, and lung scans that can catch illness early.
Thank you to our sponsors, our guests, and the volunteers who made the night run. Thank you as well to our Sip and Shop partners, Indigo Lane and Co., West Hill Hat Collection, Kendra Scott, Scotty's, Kusi Art, and Ghost Art, who shared a portion of their proceeds with Burn Pits 360. We are also grateful to the Ruderman Family Foundation for sharing copies of Jay Ruderman's book Find Your Fight with our honorees and VIPs.
Stay With Us
The work doesn't stop when the lights go down. Here's how you can keep the momentum going this season:
- Relive the night. Browse the gala photos or watch the videos.
- Volunteer at Wrapping for Warriors, Nov. 27–29 at La Palmera Mall in Corpus Christi. Become a Sponsor. Sign up for a shift.
- Share your talent with Hope for Heroes on Dec. 5 in Robstown. Become a sponsor or sign up for a shift.
- Give before the year ends. Donate to Burn Pits 360, or give $25 a month to Warrior Hope Network.
Thank you for standing with toxic-exposed veterans and their families.
We'll see you next fall for the National Toxic Exposure Conference in New York City. More details to follow.
