2024 Veterans Day celebrations kicked off with our 3rd Annual Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) event for Veteran’s Day on November 8th in Washington, DC! Residents, local veterans, active members, and organizations celebrated with music, food, and fun while raising money to support the home with projects focused on wellness, vitality, and camaraderie.

Nov 8th, 2024 Veterans Day Event at AFRH

Over the years, our Veterans Organization has consistently held annual pushup competitions for Mission 22, Wreaths Across America events & fundraising, participated in Run to Home Base, and much more! We talked to some of our employees involved in these events, and here’s what they told us!

How did these events come to be?

In 2018, the Recorded Future Veterans Organization was founded by Jared Jalbert, Director, Strategy and Operations (Public Sector), and Lauren Mitchell, Account Executive (Intelligence Community).

“We were two veterans dedicated to bringing other veterans together to celebrate with and care for each other. Our mission was created to empower veterans through volunteerism, education, cybersecurity support, and hiring programs.” - Lauren.

Jared introduced Lauren to the home after he was brought in by one of his family members who volunteered there. Wreaths Across America was started by Jared who brings his family to participate in the event and pay homage to several family members and friends buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Participation in the Run to Home Base started after Lauren received services through the program and advocates for mental health awareness and care for our veterans.

Futurists, Family, and Friends at Old Mission Cemetery in San Luis Obispo, CA in 2023

What do you want to come out of these events/initiatives?

“These events allow veterans of all ages, from WWII to those currently serving, to come together and reflect on the great honor and accomplishments of their time in service. They also provide every veteran’s family and friends an opportunity to be celebrated and thanked for their sacrifices to support their service members and the pride of being part of history.” - Sean.

“Engagement, support, and awareness. Our Veterans have sacrificed so much. We need to ensure we are doing everything we can to support them. Additionally, bringing awareness to non-veterans about the struggles that veterans face.” - Will.

Will in San Diego, California in 2016

Why do these events matter?

“It serves as a reminder of the selfless dedication, sacrifice, and sense of duty that military veterans of the United States Armed Forces and their families have demonstrated. During these events, I think about both my grandfathers’ service, but also about my sister’s military career, still serving today.” - Sean.

“For me, it is a way to say “Thank You” and appreciate what service was like for other Veterans. We each serve differently, whether in a different era, branch, role, or situation. Being able to understand and appreciate other veterans' sacrifice and service is both humbling and eye-opening.” - Will.

“Veterans sacrifice so much during their time in service, and post-military life can be a difficult and lonely transition. There is no sense of camaradery and passion like that which exists amongst a group of veterans.” - Emily.

How can other Futurists support the Veterans' causes?

“Support for veterans can take many forms that resonate on a personal level, from just thinking and appreciating the service of others to joining us at an event or doing push-ups during the annual Push-up Challenge.” - Sean.

2020 Recorded Future Veterans Organization Challenge Coins

“Volunteer! Visit your local VA hospital, talk to friends you know who are veterans, anything you can do to listen and understand Veteran’s sacrifice is important!” - Will.

“During the National Anthem and a moment of silence during the Old Soldier’s Home Veterans Day event one of the residents, a 101-year-old Marine Veteran from the Vietnam War rose to stand with her fellow veterans. An employee of the retirement home later told me that was the most she’d seen that resident on her feet in weeks." - Emily.

“I spoke with a Vietnam Veteran as we watched a Blackhawk helicopter take off in front of the building. We agreed that the thumping sound of Army helicopter blades is one of the best sounds, and he said it reminded him of getting picked up and coming home.” - Sean.

AFRH residents next to a Blackhawk helicopter, Veterans Day 2024

AFRH Residents & Friends celebrating, Veterans Day 2024