STL Veterans Ball 2026
191 Westport Plaza Drive
St. Louis, MO 63146
ONE NATION UNITED IN SERVICE
Honoring 250 Years of Sacrifice, Strength, and Unity
For 250 years, the United States of America has been a nation born not in comfort, but in conviction.
From the first brave souls who declared independence in 1776 to the generations who answered the call in times of war and uncertainty, our country has grown through trial, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve. The birth of this republic was not gentle. It was forged in the fire of revolution, tested in civil conflict, and strengthened through world wars, global crises, and long seasons of doubt.
Across these two and a half centuries, the men and women of our Armed Forces have stood in the gap whenever freedom was threatened. From the frozen encampments of the American Revolutionary War to the battlefields of the American Civil War, from the shores of World War II to the mountains and deserts of modern conflicts, they have carried forward a legacy of courage. Their leadership was not only measured in strategy or strength of arms, but in character, and in the willingness to place country above self.
Yet the story of America is not written by soldiers alone. It is written by families who endured separation, by citizens who rationed and rebuilt, by workers who labored through the Great Depression, and by communities who rose together when hope felt distant. On the battlefield and on the home front, the American spirit proved that unity is not the absence of struggle, it is the decision to stand together in spite of it.
We have known division. We have faced injustice. We have wrestled with who we are and who we aspire to be. But even in our most difficult chapters, allegiance to the ideals of liberty, equality, and opportunity has endured. Through triumph and trial alike, we have remained bound not by perfection, but by purpose.
Two hundred fifty years is a remarkable milestone, yet in the timeline of history, it is still an infancy. We are a young nation, still learning, still growing, still striving to better reflect the promise upon which we were founded.
And still, the world looks to the United States.
Not because we are flawless, but because we are resilient. Not because we have never stumbled, but because we rise. Our shores continue to welcome those who believe in the possibility of a greater life for those willing to work, to serve, and to contribute to the ongoing story of freedom.
As we honor 250 years of sacrifice and strength, let us renew our allegiance to one another and to the unity that defines us. Let us remember that leadership begins with service, that strength is rooted in character, and that the promise of America is sustained by its people.
In our infancy and in our endurance, we remain one nation, under God, indivisible, still becoming, still believing, and still offering hope to all who seek it.
Event Details
Please join us for our 5th Annual STL Veterans Ball for an unforgettable evening celebrating Camaraderie, Customs, Courtesies, Tradition, and Fellowship. The evening will include a formal dinner, a distinguished guest speaker and entertainment. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. with the opening ceremony beginning promptly at 6:45 p.m. followed by dinner. A cash bar will be available.
Our Military culture is built on unity, grit, and adaptability. This year’s program in 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.
Dr. Leonard
“Nothing can change one’s trajectory in life like education – nothing. ”
Stephanie Leonard, MDiv.
District Manager of Veteran Affairs
Dr. Leonard's remarkable achievements as the first woman to receive the Bronze Star in the Missouri National Guard and the first African American woman to graduate from Warrant Officer Candidate School at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, highlight her trailblazing role in the military.
Her selection to inaugurate the 2021 STL Veterans Ball is a testament to her significant contributions and dedication to service, inspiring future generations of women and minorities in the armed forces.
2022 – Stephanie Leonard
Chief Warrant Officer and Bronze Star Recipient
Angie Peacock
After medical retirement from the military and a long period of recovery, she earned her bachelor’s in science in psychology and master’s in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. She began community organizing in the St. Louis military veteran community in 2010, with some of her work having national impact.
Her story of overmedication after trauma appears in the new film Medicating Normal (2020) where she engaged over 180 audiences during community screenings and/or panel discussions that encouraged dialogue about our mental health industry, informed consent, psychiatric drug use and withdrawal, and veterans’ mental health.
Some of Angela’s past roles include Veterans of Foreign Wars Legislative Fellow, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Courage Award recipient and member of their National Campaign Team, and finalist for Student Veteran of the Year with Student Veterans of America. She has spoken nationally and before congress on important issues surrounding post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, mental health, addiction, and female veterans. Her story has been featured in four documentaries, numerous podcasts and press such as CBS Nightly News, MSNBC, NPR, and BBC. She is a mental health advocate, a writer, and YouTube creator who travels in her campervan across the United States with her service dog Raider, to improve the mental health care system for veterans and civilians alike. She can be found online @BeingHumanRV or www.angiepeacock.com
2023 – Angie Peacock
Army Communications Specialist
Rick Tallman
CMSgt (Ret).
Richard Tallman is a dedicated veteran who retired from the Air Force in 2017 after a distinguished 30-year career. Richard retired as the Chief Enlisted Manager for the 821st Contingency Response Squadron, Travis AFB, California. His military journey included pivotal roles such as Aircraft Maintenance Hydraulic Systems, Crew Chief, Aero Repair, Production Superintendent, First Sergeant, Aircraft Quality Assurance Superintendent and Director of Maintenance. Richard was stationed at multiple bases worldwide and has 17 deployments under his belt including locations such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, McMurdo Station Antarctica, and several Pacific theater locations.
2024 – Rick Tallman
CMSgt (Ret).
Bob Zahn
"It's wild how far we've come."
"One year in Vietnam changed the path of my life for 60 years. It's still a bumpy road some days but I'm healing."
2025 – Bob Zahn
Chief Warrant Officer and Purple Heart Recipient
Individual Ticket
$
35
- Entrance
- Dinner & Cash Bar
Multiple Sponsorship Opportunities Available
$
250 – $3500
- Be a part of something Great for our 5th year!
- Brand advertising of logo/company name will be included in the program.
Sponsors & Partners
See who’s standing with us to make this year’s event unforgettable!
Get Directions to the Event
Venue & Time
Venue & Time
Date: Friday, Nov 13th 2026
Time: Doors Open – 6:15 p.m.
Ceremony begins – 6:45 PM (with dinner)
Location: 191 Westport Plaza Drive. St. Louis, MO 63146
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