07/10/2026
On the night of Shohei Ohtani’s 300th career homerun, we hit our own high mark when Tess Banko, a Marine veteran and leader at U.S.VETS West Los Angeles and The Veterans Collective (TVC), was honored for her service on UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium!
Tess was nominated for the distinction by Kilo One Actual, a TVC partner organization founded in honor of Vietnam veteran Bill Haskell, who fought cancer at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His nephew, Joe Haskell, organized visitors for Bill at the hospital but noticed that many veterans sat by themselves. His organization ensures no veteran is forgotten, and Joe’s generosity extends to veterans he invites to join him every season in club boxes at a Dodgers game.
It’s fitting that Tess would be spotlighted by Joe’s organization, as she has spent the last 20 years promoting the well-being of those who have served. We’re grateful to see heroes recognized in the spirit of camaraderie, peer support, and ensuring that no one who defended our country ever walks alone.
📸+ 🎥: Los Angeles Dodgers
