Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.

08/08/2026

Thanks to Tom and Dee Long who represented Blue Star Salute Foundation tonight at the Purple Heart Salute Event in Daphne, Alabama. And a special thanks to all who put this great event together on Purple Heart Day!!!

07/23/2026

MOBILE BAY AREA VETERANS COMMISSION Steve Carey
SOUTH ALABAMA VETERANS COUNCIL [email protected]

July 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Purple Heart Salute Set for August 7, 2026 at the Daphne Civic Center
DAPHNE, AL — The Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission, in partnership with the South Alabama Veterans Council, proudly announces the 2026 Purple Heart Salute, taking place August 7, 2026, at the Daphne Civic Center from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This event honors the brave men and women wounded in combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces, recognizing their sacrifice, courage, and continued contributions to our nation. The event is free and open to the public, and families are strongly encouraged to attend. Bringing young people provides a meaningful opportunity for them to learn firsthand about the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom.
Distinguished Keynote Speakers
• Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. Chancellor, Troy University Two time Purple Heart recipient, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and nationally recognized advocate for military connected students.
• Dr. Andrew Del Gaudio National Senior Vice Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart Former Alabama State Commander, Dr. Del Gaudio was elected and took the oath to serve as the National Senior Vice Commander, representing Purple Heart recipients across the nation.
• Tollin Toler Department of Alabama Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander Toler assumed command of the Department of Alabama and continues to lead statewide efforts supporting Purple Heart recipients and their families.
Event Highlights
• Purple Heart Salute Ceremony (5:00–7:00 p.m.)
• Veteran focused vendors and community partners
• Presentation of honors and recognition of Purple Heart recipients
• Community engagement activities supporting veterans and their families
• Free admission for all attendees
Special Reception for Purple Heart Recipients
A private Purple Heart Recipients Reception will be held prior to the ceremony.
• Reception Time: 4:30 p.m.
• RSVP Requested: Purple Heart recipients are asked to RSVP and arrive at 4:30 p.m. for check in and recognition.
• Reception Room Hosts: Rear Admiral Kent Davis, U.S. Navy (Ret.), and Major General Mike Sumrall, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Hosted By
• Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission
• South Alabama Veterans Council

Media Contact
Fran Barber
Secretary/Treasurer
Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission
251 605 1290
[email protected]

Steve Carey, President
Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission
Email: [email protected]
Frank Barrow, PresidentSouth Alabama Veterans Council
Email: [email protected]

07/18/2026

07/04/2026

Happy 250th Anniversary America!!! Yesterday, we setup our display at the Sweet Home Alabama 250 event at the American Village and celebrated with dozens and dozens of fellow patriots.

07/01/2026

Come visit us on Friday at the Sweet Home 250 Celebration at the American Village. Our booth will be located in the Marketplace behind the Randall Museum of American History.

The countdown is on! We're looking forward to welcoming you to Sweet Home 250 on July 3 & 4 at American Village as we celebrate America's 250th birthday with two unforgettable days of music, history, food, art, and family fun!

Before you arrive, here are a few things to know:
The festival gates open at 11:00 AM each day. Arrive early to explore the campus, visit the exhibits, enjoy America's Stories and America's Kitchen, and settle in before the afternoon and evening entertainment begins.

Bring a Lawn Chair or Blanket
Constitution Green will be the place to enjoy performances on the Main Stage. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket so you can relax and enjoy the music throughout the day and evening.

Returning on Saturday? Lawn chairs may remain overnight on Friday at your own risk.

Parking Shuttle Service
Complimentary shuttle service will operate continuously between the festival parking areas and the main entrance throughout the day.
For the safety of our guests and drivers, shuttle service will end at sunset. If you plan to stay for the evening concerts and fireworks, please be prepared for a short walk back to your vehicle after the festivities conclude.

Come Hungry!
Enjoy lunch, dinner, or a snack from one of our festival food trucks featuring a variety of delicious options throughout the day.

Leave These at Home
To help everyone enjoy the event, please do not bring:
Large umbrellas
Tents or canopies
Large ice chests or coolers

Last Admission
The final admission each evening will be 8:30 PM. Guests already inside the festival may stay and enjoy all scheduled evening programming.

Plan Your Day!
With live music, America's Stories, America's Kitchen, children's activities, Perondi's All-Star Stunt Dogs, military encampments, battle reenactments, exhibits, demonstrations, and more, there's something happening all day long. Be sure to download the festival schedule before you arrive so you don't miss your favorites.

Most importantly, come ready to celebrate, make memories, and experience Alabama's official celebration of America's 250th birthday.

We'll see you at Sweet Home 250!

06/27/2026

We setup our display early this morning at the Department of Alabama American Legion Convention in Montgomery where we got to catchup with dozens and dozens of our veteran friends. Thank you all for your service and your time. God bless the USA!!!

06/23/2026

A Salute to an Alabama and U.S. Navy Hero, Captain David McCampbell of Bessemer, Alabama!!!

U.S. Navy Captain David McCampbell of Bessemer, Alabama, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary actions on June 19, 1944, and October 24, 1944 during the Battle of the Philippine Sea & Battle of Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands.

On June 19, 1944, during “Marianas Turkey Shoot,” Commander McCampbell shot down five Japanese Yokosuka D4Y ‘Judy’ dive-bombers to become an “ace in a day.” Later that afternoon, he downed two Mitsubishi A6M ‘Zekes’ over Guam.

On October 24, 1944, he became the only American airman to achieve “ace in a day” status twice. McCampbell and his wingman attacked a Japanese force of 60 aircraft. He shot down nine, setting a U.S. single-mission aerial combat record.

For his actions on these days, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the only Fast Carrier Task Force pilot to be so honored. He was promoted to captain in July 1952 and retired from the Navy in 1964. He died in Florida in 1996 and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

McCampbell is the Navy's all-time leading flying ace and top F6F Hellcat ace with 34 aerial victories. He was the third-highest American-scoring ace of World War II and the highest-scoring American ace to survive the war. He also set a world single-mission aerial combat record of shooting down nine enemy planes in one mission on October 24, 1944.

06/14/2026

Flag Day - June 10, 2019
Pelham Civic Center
Faces of the Price of Freedom Memorial

06/08/2026

Blue Star Salute Foundation is proud to be an America250 “Made in Alabama” Brand Partner!!!

Made in Alabama Brand Partners are companies based in Alabama who make and distribute one or more products in Alabama. By including the A250AL Made in Alabama Brand Partner logo on their website, marketing materials, and packaging, they help to spread the word about America’s Semiquincentennial. Here are just a few of them!
Priester's Pecans
Corner Bistro, Enterprise, Alabama
Adventurer's Coffee Co.
Beers & Associates
Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.
Barking Bee Coffee
Company St. Mercantile

Stay tuned as we highlight more of these amazing partners!

05/28/2026

Blue Star Salute Foundation showcased our “Faces of the Price of Freedom Memorial” at the Support Our Soldiers of Alabama Banquet tonight at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. The Memorial includes 227 Alabamians from all 67 counties who were killed in action or died from illnesses or injuries received in support of the War on Terror. This display is erected at Veterans Events and schools across Alabama to ensure that these brave Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten.