By: Steve Webner Staff Writer for World Liberty TV
“A Night for Heroes”: Worldwide Veterans and Family Services Celebrates10 Years of Impact with Emotional Benefit Gala in New York.
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, Worldwide Veterans and Family Services (WVFS) celebrated a decade of service and impact with a heartfelt benefit gala in New York City.
Worldwide Veterans & Family Services
The event brought together community leaders, veterans, allies, and government officials to honor those who have tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life for veterans and their families.
2025 WVFS Honorees
Proceeds from the evening were dedicated to the Food Bank operated by WVFS at the James J.Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Bronx, where the organization provides weekly food assistance to veterans and their families.
Dr Adal with Anthony Mele President and Founder, OEF Combat Veteran
A Mission That Transforms Lives; Since its founding in 2015, WVFS — under the leadership of its President and Founder Marisa Estrella — has remained committed to providing comprehensive support to veterans experiencing homelessness or at social risk.
Chaplain Estrella presenting to Anthony Mele
Including transitional housing programs, spiritual guidance, emotional care, and job training. “Over these ten years, we’ve learned that to serve is to heal. Every life we touch is one more step toward a fairer, more compassionate community for our heroes,” shared Marisa Estrella during her remarks.
Powerful Testimonies Honoring Service, the evening featured moving testimonies from public officials and community leaders who shared their reflections on what it means to serve.
Award each honoree received
State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda (District 32 – Bronx) reflected on the meaning of sacrifice and the lasting impact of veterans’ service.
Assemblyman George Álvarez (District 78 – Bronx) spoke about the importance of supporting veterans from his role as a public servant.
Dr Adal with Chaplain Estrella & Emcee Patricia Herrera
Fidel Malena, Bronx Regional Representative for Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office, offered a message on honoring veterans’ continued contributions to society.
Roman Palomares, Vietnam-era veteran and current National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), shared insights from over 40 years of public service.
3rd from Right Chaplain Estrella with guests
Anthony Mele, decorated U.S. Army veteran and founder of AMI Global Security, delivered an inspiring message on leadership and the recognition of Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers.
Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough President, delivered a special message acknowledging the importance of strengthening support for veterans and their families.
Cocktail Food on display
Video Messages, the program also included two video messages from key leaders in veterans’ affairs, reflecting ongoing institutional support for the military community.
Chaplain Estrella presenting award to Mujeres con Coraje TV Show Participants
James Hendon, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services, sent a very heartwarming message to the organizers, of the event telling them, thank you for your great work for the Veterans and thanked Ms. Marisa Estrella, and her staff for a job well done.
Viviana M. DeCohen (“Mama V”), Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services. Sent a wonderful message and the great work, Worldwide Veterans and Family services are doing for the Veteran communities.
Dr Adal with Bronx Cadets
Honorees of the Evening: The following remarkable people and organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions and heartfelt dedication to the veteran community:
Shawn Kingston, Chief, Center for Development & Civic Engagement, James J. Peters VA Medical Center – For his unwavering commitment to veterans and their families.
Dr Adal with State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda
Dr. Balavenkatesh Kanna – For his valuable work and dedication to improving veterans’ health. Mr Kanna was not able to attend in person, due to a family emergency a representative picked up his award.
Dr Adal with Aneudys Gonzalez of Bemarketing co with his staff members
Anthony Mele – For his key role in projects that uplift veterans and their families. steban M. Blis, Veterans Advocate, President and Founder, OEF Combat Veteran – For his impactful leadership and tireless advocacy for veterans.
Dr Adal with Daniel Guzman President Palante Para Todos Inc
Mujeres con Coraje TV Show with Rosa Ayala & Gloria Conroy, for the Americas – For their work empowering women veterans. John Escalante – For his service, sacrifice, and lasting legacy in the community.
Kind Hearts Foundation, Aleksey Shimonov and Inna Akhmatova, President and Vice President, – For driving meaningful initiatives that benefit veterans. Latanga Blair, Veteran – For her bravery and the inspiration she provides to fellow women veterans.
Dr Adal with Entertainers Sandra Camargo & Stalin B
Roman Palomares, current National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) – For a lifetime of service, visionary leadership, and dedication to the Latino and veteran communities. Anny Cordero, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) – For her tireless advocacy and commitment to equity for veterans.
E-Uneek Kebreau – For visionary leadership and contributions to veteran-centered programs. Palante Pa’ Todos Foundation, Daniel Guzmán, – For turning his life story into a mission of hope and progress for fellow veterans.
Dr Adal with Peter Del Debbio , American Legion Veteran
The Program started of with Ms. Patricia Herrera, Emcee of the event introducing the Color guard, from the Bronx Cadet office, pledge of Allegiance was done by Carlie Rosario, National Anthem by entertainer Eddie Claudio.
Opening prayer by Rev.Oswald Denis, from the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, welcoming remarks were by Chaplain Marisa Estrella, founder President of Worldwide Veterans and Family Services.
Dr Adal with Roman Palamares President LULAC
Immediately after the remarks, the award ceremony took place where each of the above honoree’s received an award for their contribution for Veteran causes.
Live entertainment was by, The Swing Dolls, Kara, Samatha and Anna, who performed close to six different songs, which people enjoyed immensely especially many veterans who were in attendance.
Dr Adal with Shawn Kingston of the Bronx VA Hospital
Ovic Saxo, saxophone player, played Latin and English versions on his saxophone, which was very entertaining.
During all this happening, there was a great cocktail hour, where people had a drink and enjoyed a buffet style cocktail.
The Dinner was served, with desserts and coffee, the staff at Marina Del Rey was very professional and delivering a great service, Marina Del Rey in the Bronx, is an elite catering place in New York and I personally would say it’s probably the elite place to do a gala, event or a wedding, as I have attended on many times throughout the years.
Dr Adal with Veterans in attendance
A Legacy That Lives On, “A Night for Heroes” Gala Dinner was not only a moment of celebration but also a powerful reminder of WVFS’s enduring commitment to those who have served our country.
The evening featured a special artistic performance by the renowned trio The Swing Dolls, whose presentation brought elegance, energy, and patriotism to the stage, elevating the meaning of the occasion.
James Hendon, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans Video Message
With ten years of service behind them, Worldwide Veterans and Family Services reaffirms its promise to continue building pathways of support, dignity, and second chances for veterans and their families.
About: Worldwide Veterans and Family Services: Our Mission, Our Veterans Our Mission: Transforming Veterans’ Lives Across the United States.
At Worldwide Veterans and Family Services (WVFS), we believe that every veteran deserves a second chance. Founded by Chaplain Marisa Estrella, a disabled veteran from the United States Army, our mission is to provide safe, stable housing for homeless veterans and their families across the United States, with a special focus on the New York Metropolitan Area, particularly in the Bronx.
live performance by Ovic Saxo Saxophone player
We are dedicated to empowering veterans to regain their dignity, independence, and hope. Through our programs, we help them take the next step toward a better life. We offer more than just a home: we offer a future.
To learn more about Worldwide Veterans and Family Services, or to contribute to this great organization, Click here.
Dr Adal making a special Presentation to Chaplian Estrella on Behalf of HOTWINC Org
I am very fond of covering and supporting Veterans from all over the world and showcasing their great work and sacrifice, we have supported Many veterans, throughout the USA, at the Annual Veterans day parade in New City, The VA Orlando Health Care System at Lake Nona, POW, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War Veterans, Iraqi Veterans, Showcased the Original NY BORINQUENEERS Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony at Hunters College NYC-2016, click here.
See so many Veterans we have helped throughout our 20 years by clicking here.
President and Founder Marisa Estrella of Worldwide Veterans & Family SVCS Welcoming remarks
In 2008 was awarded the Purple heart citation, by George W. Bush’s tenure as the 43rd president of the United States, presented by Captain Rivera. For my contribution as a humanitarian helping thousands of Veterans, with clothing, basic necessities, and also showcasing their work in our World Liberty TV, to honor their work and legacy, when I personally tell a Veteran, thank you for your service, I really mean that, as my work speaks for itself and we continue to help veterans and will continue to do.
See More in our World Liberty TV, Humanitarian Channels, Blogs and who is Who? of our Photo-galleries. By clicking here & also view our Humanitarians of the World Inc, by clicking here.
