SAV

2024 Recap

DISTRICT 5810 VETERAN’S AWARD 2024 NOMINATION
20th Annual Salute to America’s Veterans – A Triumph of Patriotism and Honor

On November 6, 2024, the Rotary Club of Dallas proudly hosted the landmark 20th Annual Salute to America’s Veterans—a stirring tribute to the brave men and women who’ve stood the watch for our freedoms. Set beneath the wings of history at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, the event radiated national pride and gratitude for our nation’s defenders.

A highlight of the afternoon was a powerful fireside conversation between Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo, USAF (Ret.), and Jody Dean, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and Texas Radio Hall of Famer. At 103 years young, Major Luckadoo—a WWII B-17 pilot of the famed 100th Bombardment Group, known as the Bloodiest 100th—reflected on his service, valor, and love of country. His closing words captured the spirit of the day: “We live in the greatest country in the world. God Bless the USA.”

The event began with a rousing welcome by long-standing emcee Jody Dean, followed by a heart-pounding performance by the American Bombshells. These modern Ambassadors of Gratitude delivered a patriotic musical salute that echoed the spirit of the Andrews Sisters, filling the museum with harmony, reverence, and celebration. Songs like God Bless the USA and The Star-Spangled Banner reminded all in attendance of the enduring strength of our national identity.

Cadets from Faith Family Academy rendered the presentation of colors, pledge of allegiance, and invocation with precision and pride. Their respectful service as greeters set a tone of reverence that carried throughout the gathering of over 400 guests, many of them American heroes.

WWII veteran and esteemed Rotarian Linus Wright—former U.S. Under Secretary of Education and past District 5810 Governor—had the honor of introducing Major Luckadoo, linking generations of military and civic leadership in one powerful moment of reflection and gratitude.

This year's Salute raised over $105,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, and silent auctions, a shining testament to the community’s dedication. Of the 46 sponsors, 61% were Rotarians, reflecting the enduring commitment of the Rotary Club of Dallas to honor those who serve. The Perot Family Foundation reaffirmed its patriotic legacy by pledging continued sponsorship through 2027 at $25,000 annually.

Proceeds benefitted USO DFW and the George W. Bush Institute for Veterans and Military Families, with $45,000 donated in 2024 alone. To date, the event has raised over $817,000, standing as a proud symbol of Texas-sized gratitude and American unity.

Since 2005, the Salute to America’s Veterans has honored over 2,475 veterans in person and hosted a total of 8,291 guests, a reflection of enduring community strength and shared purpose. The luncheon draws a proud crowd of 415 annually—veterans, Rotarians, and active-duty service members—united by a love of country and an unwavering respect for those who defend it.

Special thanks go to the dedicated committee members and volunteers—Charles Ashcraft, David Cross, Bryan Market, Josh Theodore, Rosanna Sandlin, Chris Castle, Hubert Zajicek, Mary Rock, Jim Frankiewicz, Charles Dowden, Cyndi Janssen, Kerney Laday-President and many more—whose service behind the scenes reflects the very values the Salute embodies: duty, honor, and love of country.  God  Bless our men and women who are serving and those that have served.