Operations Warrior Shield made the month of March special during a special affair.
Over a hundred guests gathered at New York’s famed Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse for a lavish luncheon that honored Marine Veteran Mychal Watts for his work with OWS.
Paying tribute to his outstanding service to our country, the afternoon also took time to recognize American boxers Gerry Cooney and Monte Barrett for their dedication to the program.
The event was co-hosted by Ed Schloeman, Marine Vietnam Veteran & Founder/CEO of OWS, as well as MJ Pedone, who is President & CEO Indra Public Relations at in New York City.
“I’m so grateful for all our guests who came out and supported our cause,” stated Ed Schoeman. “All of our honorees are so deserving, and I truly appreciate all the great things that we will do together to further the cause. A special thank you to MJ Pedone, who works tirelessly and moves mountains. She and her team are simply the best.”
During the prolific program Commissioner Hendon presented Schloeman with a citation for his outstanding work raising funds and providing support for servicemen and servicewomen, which includes providing service dogs to those who suffer PTSD. Watts’ service dog Connie was in attendance along with the NYPD service dog, Glory.
“I’m so grateful to my power publicist MJ Pedone for her hard work and for introducing me to OWS,” stated Watts during the ceremony. “This recognition means the world to me, and I’m so blessed that Ed has gifted Connie to me who has made such a tremendous difference in my life. I also want to thank Tatyana Horoshko for the beautiful portrait that she presented to me. I’m beyond exited for it all and I look forward to continuing to work with the OWS team to help other veterans with PTSD.”
The hostess of the event also reflected on the important day. “It was such an honor to co-host this great afternoon with Ed Schloeman and bring so many great people together to raise funds for our veterans,” stated MJ Pedone. I’m beyond grateful to do what I love each and every day with some of the greatest people in the world.”
Funds raised from this event will support Operations Warrior Shield Canine Assistance Program, which helps provide comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, first responders and their families that are focused on transition, health and wellness, employment, prevention of homelessness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources. The emphasis is to help heal their hidden wounds through helping veterans find jobs, eliminating veteran homelessness, teaching Transcendental Meditation, community Based Holistic Wellness program and companion Dog Assistance.
Photos courtesy OWS