Episode #31
STL Veterans Ball
Join us on Operation Insight as we host Hospital Corpsman Second Class George Herrera and Kim Dunman, two founding members of the STL Veterans Ball! In 2016, three leaders from different organizations convened for an AAR related to a veteran community-building event. The conversations had during that meeting led to a survey which sought to gather information from veterans themselves. As fate would have it, due to unforeseen organizational shifts, 2017 would become the last year of that annual event. But the dream endured amongst those three leaders! Collectively, the passion to bring people together in celebrating military service while also promoting camaraderie continued to be discussed. After several years of various meetings, something more devastating than organizational shifting occured, COVID-19. After the “lockdown period” in an attempt to bridge the gap, bringing veterans from all eras together, while offering the community the opportunity to learn military traditions, customs, and courtesies, the STL Veterans Ball was founded. With that in mind, you are invited to attend the 5th Annual STL Veterans Ball! The evening will include a formal dinner, a distinguished guest speaker and entertainment. This year’s program is thoughtfully curated to feature inspiring speakers, a meaningful agenda, and a continued message that each veteran is stronger because of the community we build and the individuals we stand beside. The 2026 STL Veterans Ball will take place on Friday, November 13th, at Westport Plaza (191 Westport Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146) Cocktail Hour Begins at 5:30 PM Presentation of Colors Begins at 6:45 PM Dinner Begins at 7 PM (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:30) Introduction (04:21) George’s Story (1:04:29) Kim’s Story (1:27:15) The STL Veterans Ball (1:46:34) The 2025 Ball & Bob Zahn (1:53:08) Kim's Personal Mission (1:57:11) The Mission (2:02:48) Closing
