San Diego Purple Heart

Annual Fundraiser Ball 2025
2025-02-22 17:00 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Courtyard Marriott Liberty Station San Diego, 2592 Laning Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, United States
Join us at this beautiful hotel for a heartwarming and elevated experience. We appreciate your support!
For questions about tickets, sponsorships, or event information, contact:
Ken Lepore: 951-526-4768
Robert Hernandez: 619-208-2893
Paul Aguirre: 661-319-8787

Get Tickets

A room block with special rates has been reserved – rooms are limited. $199/room for nights of Friday 2/21 and Sat. 2/22. Room block expires 1/21/2025. Call Courtyard by Marriott at 800-321-2211.

On behalf of the Purple Hearts Recipients Chapter #49, San Diego, CA, we respectfully request your sponsorship in support of our annual fundraising dinner. As a sponsor, you can expect some significant benefits, not to mention support of our foundation’s important work. This special event will include dinner, bar service, dancing, Silent Auction, and much more!

Purchase Sponsorship

Your name will be seen by an expected turnout of 150 guests. We will feature your logo on our website’s event page, plus place your name in the Ball Program and at important locations throughout the event including signage and in a thank you presentation. Thank you for your sponsorship!
Paul Aguirre, Event Fundraising Chair
Sponsorship Team: Paul Aguirre, Ken LePore, Robert Hernandez.
A 501c(3) charitable organization, EIN # 84-2906427. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
All sponsorship donations should be made payable to “MOPH Sunny Jones Chapter 49.” Payments may be made securely online. Mail checks to: PO Box 19354, San Diego, CA 92159

Monthly Chapter Meeting
2024-09-07 12:00 - 13:30 | The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
Our monthly Chapter meeting will be held on the first Saturday of the month. 12 noon potluck/lunch followed by the meeting.
The San Diego Veterans Museum
2115 ParkBlvd
San Diego, Ca. 92101

Monthly Chapter Meeting
2024-03-02 12:00 - 13:30 | The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
Our monthly Chapter meeting will be held on the second Saturday of the month. 12 noon potluck/lunch followed by the meeting.
The San Diego Veterans Museum
2115 Park Blvd
San Diego Ca 92101

Monthly Chapter Meeting
2023-09-02 15:00 - 16:00 | VFW Post 7907, 12342 Old Pomerado Road, Poway, CA, 92064
Our monthly Chapter meeting will be held on Saturday, September 2nd at VFW Post 7907 in Poway, CA. 12 noon potluck/lunch followed by the meeting.
VFW Post 7907
12342 Old Pomerado Road
Poway Ca. 92064

Monthly Chapter Meeting
2022-09-03 12:00 - 14:00 | VFW Post 7907, 12342 Old Pomerado Road, Poway, CA, 92064
Our monthly Chapter meeting will be held on Sept. 3rd at VFW Post 7907 in Poway, CA. 12 noon potluck/lunch followed by meeting.
VFW Post 7907
12342 Old Pomerado Road
Poway Ca. 92064

Purple Heart Day 2023
2022-08-07 12:00 - 14:00 | VFW Post 7907, 12342 Old Pomerado Road, Poway, CA, 92064
Please join us for Purple Heart Day on August 7th from 12:00pm – 2:00pm at the VFW Post 7907.
VFW Post 7907
12342 Old Pomerado Road
Poway, CA 92064

There will be a small ceremony followed by a lunch consisting of hamburgers and sides. There is also a cash bar available. $5 paid at the door for each meal. RSVP by August 1st to MOPHA Unit 49; or by clicking the Contact button.

This year’s event takes place on August 7th. We will commence with the ceremony at noon, and the weather should be very agreeable. After the formal ceremony, which should run until about 12:30, we have a lunch and the opportunity to socialize.
August 7th is the day that George Washington created the Purple Heart, to honor those who exemplify extraordinary service in battle. This evolved to be reflective of those who were wounded in combat. This was a 1932 revision by the War Department. We are proud to be part of this experience with all in our nation.

Regular Meeting
2021-09-04 12:30 - 13:10 | Zoom Event, 4 Computer Way, From Home, United States
Our Chapter meets once a month, on the first Saturday of the month. Join us at 12:30 via Zoom, with our meeting ending at 13:10. When the pandemic is behind us, we will return to our normal schedule, meeting at the Veterans Museum At Balboa Park. In addition, in normal times, we host a potluck with Unit 49 Auxiliary, commencing at 12:30, with the meeting starting at 1:00 and running about an hour to an hour and a half. Zoom meetings, however, are 40 minutes long. If you need the Zoom information, please request via our Contact Page.

Independence Day 2021
2021-07-04 - 2021-07-05
Sunday, July 4th is Independence Day. The public holiday date is Monday, July 5th. Celebrate our nation’s independence safely!

National PTSD Awareness Day
2021-06-27 08:00 - 17:00
PTSD Awareness Day is observed every year on June 27th. PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and is a condition that many veterans and non-veterans alike suffer. PTSD can occur when someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This condition wasn’t always understood properly by the medical or military community, and Department of Defense press releases often point to earlier attempts to identify PTSD symptoms in the wake of service in World War 2, Vietnam, and other conflicts.
PTSD Awareness Day will be observed on June 27th. June is also PTSD Awareness Month.
The History Of PTSD Awareness Day
In 2010, Senator Kent Conrad pushed to get official recognition of PTSD via a “day of awareness” in tribute to a North Dakota National Guard member who took his life following two tours in Iraq (S. Res. 541). Staff Sergeant Joe Biel died in 2007 after suffering from PTSD; Biel committed suicide after his return from duty to his home state. SSgt. Biel’s birthday, June 27, was selected as the official PTSD Awareness Day, which is now observed every year. In 2014, the Senate designated the full month of June for National PTSD Awareness (S. Res. 481).
How Do People Observe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day?
Much of what is done to observe PTSD Awareness Day involves encouraging open talk about PTSD, its’ causes, symptoms, and most important of all, getting help for the condition. PTSD is, even in modern times, often misunderstood by those with no firsthand experience with the condition or those who suffer from it. PTSD Awareness Day is designed to help change that.
The Department of Defense publishes circulars, articles, and other materials to help educate and inform military members and their families about the condition. The Department of Veterans Affairs official site has several pages dedicated to PTSD, and when military members retiring or separating from the service fill out VA claim forms for service-connected injuries, illnesses, or disabilities, there is an option to be evaluated for PTSD as a part of the VA claims process.

Memorial Day 2021
2021-05-31 00:00 - 23:30
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday, commemorating those who have died in military service to their country. It is observed annually on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day – an occasion to decorate the graves of the war dead – and was created in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Observances are held at military graveyards, cemeteries and memorials, and military themed parades are held across the country. Join us as we and our families observe and remember our fallen comrades. Wreaths will be placed on the graves of fallen warriors in cemeteries across this land; parades will fill the streets of towns and cities; ceremonies and speeches will be observed and heard. And faithful people will turn aside from the “holiday” to observe a “holy day” of prayer for those who have given their lives in the service of this nation and the cause of freedom.

Armed Forces Day
2021-05-15 08:00 - 17:00
Many Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day annually on the third Saturday of May. It is a day to pay tribute to men and women who serve the United States’ armed forces. Armed Forces Day is also part of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May. Even though Armed Forces Day falls on a Saturday, it is a working day.
Those who are honored on this day include people who serve the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Join us for events and activities such as:
Multi-service military displays in areas open for the public.
Various educational activities that teach children about the armed forces.
“Support the Troops” themed motorcycle rides.
Large parades and other local celebrations.
Certain types of music are also played at Armed Forces Day events, including at memorials and at cemeteries, as a way to respect those in the armed forces who died for their country. For example, buglers have played a bugle call, known simply as Taps, on Armed Forces Day in recent years.

Regular Meeting
2021-02-06 12:30 - 13:10, 2020-12-05 12:30 - 13:10, 2020-11-07 12:30 - 13:10, 2020-10-03 12:30 - 13:10 | Zoom Event, 4 Computer Way, From Home, United States
Our Chapter meets once a month, on the first Saturday of the month. Join us at 12:30 via Zoom, with our meeting ending at 13:10. When the pandemic is behind us, we will return to our normal schedule, meeting at the Veterans Museum At Balboa Park. In addition, in normal times, we host a potluck with Unit 49 Auxiliary, commencing at 12:30, with the meeting starting at 1:00 and running about an hour to an hour and a half. Zoom meetings, however, are 40 minutes long.

Pearl Harbor Day 2020
2020-12-07 08:00 - 17:00
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is annually on December 7, commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II. Many American service men and women lost their lives or were injured on December 7, 1941. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.
We hope you will observe a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the exact moment of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Each year on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Survivors, veterans, and visitors from all over the world come together to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. A further 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships (the USS Arizona and the USS Utah) and destroyed 188 aircraft.
On Aug. 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Every year, remembrance events are held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, culminating in a commemoration ceremony on Dec. 7.

Veteran's Day 2020
2020-11-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Ladies Auxiliary
As a federal holiday Veterans Day is typically observed on November 11th every year. However, if it occurs on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated as the Federal holiday, and if it occurs on a Saturday then either Saturday or Friday may be designated for the holiday. The San Diego Veterans Day Parade recognizes the contributions of all of our Veterans from every branch of the Armed Forces in all eras of service. Chapter 49 will be participating as in years past! This year, the 2020 San Diego Veterans Day Parade is “Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of World War II Victories!” Wednesday November 11th 11 am – 1 pm
34th Annual San Diego Honored Tradition on Harbor Drive: Ash St to Pacific Coast Highway.
“Looking back on centuries of Veterans’ service and sacrifice and what we have learned from the past, we must always maintain the vision for the future of Veterans. Putting the Veteran at the center, on Veterans Day we continue to honor all who served, while focusing on the needs of the next generation of Veterans.” ~ VA Statement
Local government, schools and businesses not required to follow closure policies made by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management are free to decide whether to observe Veterans Day as a holiday. Most will remain open.

2020 San Diego Veterans Day Celebration
2020-11-11 10:00 - 12:00 | The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
VETERANS WEEK SAN DIEGO
Welcomes You!
2020 Veterans Day Celebration
November 11th Veterans Day Ceremony & Celebration At The Veterans Museum!
34th Annual San Diego Honored Tradition
Ceremony Webinar / Streamed
“Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of World War II Victories!”
Wednesday November 11th 10 am
Participants & Viewers Invited To Enroll Here

2020 VETERAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS CEREMONY
2020-11-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Zoom Event, 4 Computer Way, From Home, United States
The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park invites you to join us for the 31st Annual San Diego County Veteran of the Year Awards Ceremony, in video virtual presentation, on Friday, November 6, 2020. Nominees and selectees will be honored in four categories (1) The San Diego County Veteran of the Year (2) The Will Hays Lifetime Achievement Award (3) The San Diego County Veterans Allegiance Award and (4) The San Diego County Meritorious Support of Veterans. Winners of each category are not publicly announced until the luncheon.
Four awards are announced at the “The Veteran of the Year Recognition Ceremony” in a virtual video event on November 6th, during Veterans Week in San Diego and all four winners will be invited to participate in the 2020 San Diego Veterans Day Celebration at The Veterans Museum on Monday, November 11.
Registration and instructions for ticket purchases commence on Monday October 5. All ticket sales and sponsorships are tax-deductible donations to The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
For more information, contact The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park at (619) 239-2300 or via email at: sdveteranoftheyear@gmail.com

Veteran of the Year Program Nomination Deadline
2020-10-22 | The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
San Diego County Veteran of the Year Program
The “Veteran of the Year” program was established in 1989 to recognize the contributions of veterans to the San Diego community. From the pool of Veterans of the Year candidates, only one is selected as the “San Diego County Veteran of the Year”. By honoring a veteran, it shows that the veterans contribute greatly to the morale of the work force, exceed expectations in their duties, volunteer in the community and are good citizens. This program of The Veteran Museum at Balboa Park recognizes our heroes who continue to serve and contribute as our friends and neighbors.
The program has four ways to recognize individuals and organizations:

The San Diego County Veteran of the Year. Awarded for outstanding individual service to other Veterans and for notable achievements participating in beneficial community and civic organizations and activities. If selected, the San Diego County Veteran of the Year will represent the veteran community at special events, Padres games, parades and other military-related ceremonies.
The Will Hays Lifetime Support of Veterans Award, named in honor of imminently distinguished Veteran Leader, Captain Will Hays, U.S. Navy Retired. Awarded for sustained outstanding contributions in service to other veterans and in benefit to San Diego County communities during a span of 10 or more years.
The San Diego County Meritorious Support of Veterans Award. Awarded to one corporation for outstanding assistance to Veterans, for support to Armed Forces members, and for notable community-wide beneficial support.
The San Diego County Allegiance Award. Awarded to one agency or non-profit for outstanding service to individual Veterans and Veteran Programs, and support to Armed Forces Active Duty, Reserve, and Guard members, and contributions to the community.

All four awards are announced at the “The Veteran of the Year Recognition Ceremony” in November, during Veterans Week in San Diego and all four winners will be invited to participate in the 2020 San Diego Veterans Day Celebration at The Veterans Museum on Monday, November 11.
Nominations for 2020-2021 will close October 22nd, 2020.
To apply for one or more of the awards, please use the drop down menu under the VOY Nomination Forms Tab on this website.
All applications must be submitted online.
