Second Annual Patriots Gala
Name:
Second Annual Patriots Gala
Date:
March 29, 2025
Time:
6:00 PM - 10:30 PM EDT
Event Description:
Punta Gorda, Florida, January 6, 2025: The Military Heritage Museum’s is excited to announce the Second Annual Patriots Gala which will take place on March 29, 2025, at Sunseeker Resort located at 4949 Tamiami Trail, Charlotte Harbor, Florida. The inspiring patriotic-themed evening will commence at 6:00 p.m. with delightful hors d’oeuvres and a plated dinner, accompanied by complimentary cocktails throughout the evening. Dancing will follow the award ceremony. Black tie or military dress is suggested.
Highlights of the evening include the induction of Stephen R. Deutsch, as the Wall of Warrior recipient. Deutsch will be the first Wall of Warrior Honoree Coast Guard Veteran to receive this award.
Gary Butler will be honored with the Distinguished Civilian Award. His vision, business plan, and determination has led to the Military Heritage Museum becoming one of Florida’s finest museums.
The Military Heritage Museum will be honoring the Business of the Year to Patti Allen-Fishermen’s Village. Allen and the Fishermen’s Village team have been a critical component of the success of the Museum for several years.
Jeff Sherwin will be honored as the Military Heritage Museum Volunteer of the Year. Sherwin has volunteered at the Museum since 2014. He is a recipient of the Bronze Star for Valor and has received twenty-five decorations including three Meritorious Service medals, Air Force and Army Commendation and Achievements medals, and a Combat Infantryman Badge.
The keynote speaker for the evening is Master Sergeant Leroy A. Petry (Retired). Petry is the recipient of the U.S. Military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. His awards also include the following: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal (1OLC) among others.
Serving as Honorary Co-Chairmen are local distinguished military Brigadier General Anthony Bell, U.S. Air Force (Retired); Brigadier General Fredric N. Buckingham, U.S. Air Force (Retired) and Major General Richard E. Carr, U.S. Air Force (Retired). Leah Valenti, Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections, will serve as the event Master of Ceremonies.
Funds raised from this event provide financial support for the Museum’s veterans’ support and student activities. To secure your reservation or to sponsor the Gala visit https://militaryheritagemuseum.org/patriots-gala. For more information call Tina Figliuolo at 941-205-8546 or by email TFigliuolo@MilitaryHeritageMuseum.org. The deadline for reservations is March 22, 2025.
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Additional Content:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: MASTER SERGEANT LEROY A. PETRY (Retired)
Retired United States Army Soldier & President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Recipient of the U.S. Military's Highest Decoration, the Medal of Honor
Leroy A. Petry, enrolled in the United States Army in 1999, fulfilling a lifelong dream that began when he was seven years old. Following completion of Infantry One Station Unit Training, the Airborne Course, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he was designated to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
Petry's military career is punctuated by eight deployments in support of the Global War on Terror, with two tours in Iraq and six in Afghanistan. His courage in combat, specifically in Afghanistan in 2008, led to his receipt of the Medal of Honor in 2011 by President Barack Obama. Petry, severely wounded in both legs, saved the lives of two soldiers by seizing and throwing a live grenade, sacrificing his right hand in the process.
His numerous awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal (1OLC) among others. In addition, he was inducted into the Distinguished Members of the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Ranger Hall of Fame in June 2017.
Following his military service, Petry remained active in supporting veterans and military families through his role as the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and board positions with several organizations such as GE Veteran’s Network (advisory), Boulder Crest Retreat, Patriot Project, AUSA board of trustees, Horses for Heroes, and Halo for Freedom Foundation. He currently works for a consulting company called Mission 6 Zero. Despite his sustained injuries, Petry continues to lead a fulfilling life with an advanced prosthetic replacing his right hand.
STEPHEN R. DEUTSCH, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD VETERAN
Stephen R. Deutsch currently serves as a commissioner for Charlotte County, Florida, representing District 4. His military service began with serving in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1957 to 1963. Commissioner Deutsch will be the first Wall of Warrior Honoree Coast Guard Veteran to receive this award.
In Charlotte County, Stephen R. Deutsch has been a county commissioner since 2010 and has been re-elected multiple times, in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Stephen R., as a Charlotte County Commissioner, has been a consistent advocate for veterans, working on numerous initiatives that honor their service. One of his notable contributions is his involvement in the development of the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, a space dedicated to veterans and first responders. This park not only serves as a recreational area but also as an educational resource, with memorials that commemorate the sacrifices made by veterans like William R. Gaines Jr., a Marine who died in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing. Stephen R. has highlighted the importance of educating younger generations about the service and sacrifices of veterans through this park.
Stephen R. has also been active with the Charlotte County Veterans Council, serving on its advisory boards and participating in numerous ceremonies and veterans' events. His work emphasizes that Charlotte County is one of Florida’s most veteran-friendly communities, with more than 29,000 veterans residing in the county. Additionally, Deutsch, has played a key role in securing veterans' resources and ensuring that Charlotte County maintains its focus on veteran welfare, working closely with organizations like the American Legion Post 110, and the Military Heritage Museum, supporting veterans and the work they do to benefit the community they live in.
DISTINGUISED CIVILIAN AWARD: GARY BUTLER
Gary Butler will always be remembered as the architect of the Military Heritage Museum’s new location at 900 West Marion Ave. His vision, business plan, and determination led to a vastly different museum experience which many would now consider to be one of Florida’s finest museums. Selected by the Military Heritage Museum’s Board of Directors in 2018 to lead the museum’s journey from Fishermen’s Village to a new location, Gary became the first civilian to take on the role of Executive Director. While he did bring a family of veterans with him, he also brought forty plus years of not-profit experience including having recently retired as the Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. His vision was to create a safe place for veterans to share their stories, using multiple methods of communication and interaction.
During his tenure as Executive Director, the Museum grew its budget from under $300,000 to over $1.1 million dollars, despite the challenges of the pandemic and dealing with two hurricanes. In 2022 the Museum received the Chamber of Commerce’s Pinnacle Business of the Year, its highest award for nonprofit and for-profit businesses.
In January of 2024, Gary stepped down as Executive Director so he could take on a new role focusing on long term projects and strategic initiatives supporting the Museum. Gary is active in other organizations as well including serving on the board of directors of Punta Gorda Historical Society, member of the Charlotte County Tourist Development Council, member of the Tidewell Hospice Board of Trustees, and Member of the Tidewell Hospice Foundation Board of Trustees.
ABOUT THE MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM
Located in Punta Gorda Fl, the Military Heritage Museum’s purpose is to honor all who serve. From the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts, and across all five military branches, the Museum uses multiple interpretive methods to educate its visitors on the heritage aspects of U.S. military history. Through a blend of integrating its twenty thousand plus artifacts, veteran museum guides, flight and virtual reality simulators, graphics, live performance, and audiovisual; the Museum provides unique innovative experiences throughout its 17,000 sqft. facility. When it reopened in 2019 at its new location, it was designed to be a great family-friendly attraction, with a “you can’t get anywhere else” experience! The Military Heritage Museum though is so much more than just a museum! It is a gathering place where the community can honor its veterans and those military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is an educational institution that facilitates inter-generational learning passing on first-hand history and heritage from one generation to the next. One that collaborates directly with local schools and other organizations to offer history and STEM based interactive learning experiences to students of all ages. The Museum is also a performance arts center which, through live performances in its theater, provides impactful and moving experiences using theater, lectures, music, and documentaries. The Museum serves as a direct conduit to providing human services to meet the needs of Veterans through facilitating, hosting, and sponsoring several Veteran organizations. The Museum also serves as a community hub, hosting many other organizations who use the museum's facility to reach out to their constituents.
Highlights of the evening include the induction of Stephen R. Deutsch, as the Wall of Warrior recipient. Deutsch will be the first Wall of Warrior Honoree Coast Guard Veteran to receive this award.
Gary Butler will be honored with the Distinguished Civilian Award. His vision, business plan, and determination has led to the Military Heritage Museum becoming one of Florida’s finest museums.
The Military Heritage Museum will be honoring the Business of the Year to Patti Allen-Fishermen’s Village. Allen and the Fishermen’s Village team have been a critical component of the success of the Museum for several years.
Jeff Sherwin will be honored as the Military Heritage Museum Volunteer of the Year. Sherwin has volunteered at the Museum since 2014. He is a recipient of the Bronze Star for Valor and has received twenty-five decorations including three Meritorious Service medals, Air Force and Army Commendation and Achievements medals, and a Combat Infantryman Badge.
The keynote speaker for the evening is Master Sergeant Leroy A. Petry (Retired). Petry is the recipient of the U.S. Military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. His awards also include the following: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal (1OLC) among others.
Serving as Honorary Co-Chairmen are local distinguished military Brigadier General Anthony Bell, U.S. Air Force (Retired); Brigadier General Fredric N. Buckingham, U.S. Air Force (Retired) and Major General Richard E. Carr, U.S. Air Force (Retired). Leah Valenti, Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections, will serve as the event Master of Ceremonies.
Funds raised from this event provide financial support for the Museum’s veterans’ support and student activities. To secure your reservation or to sponsor the Gala visit https://militaryheritagemuseum.org/patriots-gala. For more information call Tina Figliuolo at 941-205-8546 or by email TFigliuolo@MilitaryHeritageMuseum.org. The deadline for reservations is March 22, 2025.
###
______________________________________________________________________________
Additional Content:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: MASTER SERGEANT LEROY A. PETRY (Retired)
Retired United States Army Soldier & President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Recipient of the U.S. Military's Highest Decoration, the Medal of Honor
Leroy A. Petry, enrolled in the United States Army in 1999, fulfilling a lifelong dream that began when he was seven years old. Following completion of Infantry One Station Unit Training, the Airborne Course, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he was designated to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
Petry's military career is punctuated by eight deployments in support of the Global War on Terror, with two tours in Iraq and six in Afghanistan. His courage in combat, specifically in Afghanistan in 2008, led to his receipt of the Medal of Honor in 2011 by President Barack Obama. Petry, severely wounded in both legs, saved the lives of two soldiers by seizing and throwing a live grenade, sacrificing his right hand in the process.
His numerous awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal (1OLC) among others. In addition, he was inducted into the Distinguished Members of the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Ranger Hall of Fame in June 2017.
Following his military service, Petry remained active in supporting veterans and military families through his role as the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and board positions with several organizations such as GE Veteran’s Network (advisory), Boulder Crest Retreat, Patriot Project, AUSA board of trustees, Horses for Heroes, and Halo for Freedom Foundation. He currently works for a consulting company called Mission 6 Zero. Despite his sustained injuries, Petry continues to lead a fulfilling life with an advanced prosthetic replacing his right hand.
STEPHEN R. DEUTSCH, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD VETERAN
Stephen R. Deutsch currently serves as a commissioner for Charlotte County, Florida, representing District 4. His military service began with serving in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1957 to 1963. Commissioner Deutsch will be the first Wall of Warrior Honoree Coast Guard Veteran to receive this award.
In Charlotte County, Stephen R. Deutsch has been a county commissioner since 2010 and has been re-elected multiple times, in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Stephen R., as a Charlotte County Commissioner, has been a consistent advocate for veterans, working on numerous initiatives that honor their service. One of his notable contributions is his involvement in the development of the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, a space dedicated to veterans and first responders. This park not only serves as a recreational area but also as an educational resource, with memorials that commemorate the sacrifices made by veterans like William R. Gaines Jr., a Marine who died in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing. Stephen R. has highlighted the importance of educating younger generations about the service and sacrifices of veterans through this park.
Stephen R. has also been active with the Charlotte County Veterans Council, serving on its advisory boards and participating in numerous ceremonies and veterans' events. His work emphasizes that Charlotte County is one of Florida’s most veteran-friendly communities, with more than 29,000 veterans residing in the county. Additionally, Deutsch, has played a key role in securing veterans' resources and ensuring that Charlotte County maintains its focus on veteran welfare, working closely with organizations like the American Legion Post 110, and the Military Heritage Museum, supporting veterans and the work they do to benefit the community they live in.
DISTINGUISED CIVILIAN AWARD: GARY BUTLER
Gary Butler will always be remembered as the architect of the Military Heritage Museum’s new location at 900 West Marion Ave. His vision, business plan, and determination led to a vastly different museum experience which many would now consider to be one of Florida’s finest museums. Selected by the Military Heritage Museum’s Board of Directors in 2018 to lead the museum’s journey from Fishermen’s Village to a new location, Gary became the first civilian to take on the role of Executive Director. While he did bring a family of veterans with him, he also brought forty plus years of not-profit experience including having recently retired as the Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. His vision was to create a safe place for veterans to share their stories, using multiple methods of communication and interaction.
During his tenure as Executive Director, the Museum grew its budget from under $300,000 to over $1.1 million dollars, despite the challenges of the pandemic and dealing with two hurricanes. In 2022 the Museum received the Chamber of Commerce’s Pinnacle Business of the Year, its highest award for nonprofit and for-profit businesses.
In January of 2024, Gary stepped down as Executive Director so he could take on a new role focusing on long term projects and strategic initiatives supporting the Museum. Gary is active in other organizations as well including serving on the board of directors of Punta Gorda Historical Society, member of the Charlotte County Tourist Development Council, member of the Tidewell Hospice Board of Trustees, and Member of the Tidewell Hospice Foundation Board of Trustees.
ABOUT THE MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM
Located in Punta Gorda Fl, the Military Heritage Museum’s purpose is to honor all who serve. From the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts, and across all five military branches, the Museum uses multiple interpretive methods to educate its visitors on the heritage aspects of U.S. military history. Through a blend of integrating its twenty thousand plus artifacts, veteran museum guides, flight and virtual reality simulators, graphics, live performance, and audiovisual; the Museum provides unique innovative experiences throughout its 17,000 sqft. facility. When it reopened in 2019 at its new location, it was designed to be a great family-friendly attraction, with a “you can’t get anywhere else” experience! The Military Heritage Museum though is so much more than just a museum! It is a gathering place where the community can honor its veterans and those military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is an educational institution that facilitates inter-generational learning passing on first-hand history and heritage from one generation to the next. One that collaborates directly with local schools and other organizations to offer history and STEM based interactive learning experiences to students of all ages. The Museum is also a performance arts center which, through live performances in its theater, provides impactful and moving experiences using theater, lectures, music, and documentaries. The Museum serves as a direct conduit to providing human services to meet the needs of Veterans through facilitating, hosting, and sponsoring several Veteran organizations. The Museum also serves as a community hub, hosting many other organizations who use the museum's facility to reach out to their constituents.
