SAVE THE DATE for the 2026 Celebration of Heroes!

Thursday, April 30, 2026

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

The Loretto

1111 W 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111

Become a 2026 Celebration of Heroes Event Sponsor

Sponsorship not only helps fund SMVC and the event, but it also comes with incredible benefits ranging from premier seating and event tickets to printed recognition, exhibit space, and reception signage. Learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits using the Sponsorship Packet button below, 2026 packet COMING SOON.

Celebration Sponsorship Packet

Nominate an organization or individual for a 2026 Celebration of Heroes Guardian Award

The Guardian Awards shine a light on groups and people who go above and beyond to help the Kansas City veteran’s community. You can learn more about nominating deserving organizations and individuals using either Guardian Award Nomination Packet below (2026 packet COMING SOON) or the online nomination form.

Guardian Award Nomination

2025 KCTV Story about Celebration of Heroes

Past Guardian Award Recipients

Congratulations to the 2025 Guardian Award honorees

Art Fillmore Veteran Award: Brian Schaben, U.S. Army veteran and American Red Cross volunteer

Bob Waechter Lifetime Service Award: Adam Magers, licensed professional counselor and U.S. Army combat medic who helped found The Battle Within, a nonprofit organization that helps break down barriers and provide all veterans and first responders the mental and behavioral health support they need

Guardian Award (Organization): The Battle Within 1 — Guardian Award (Organization): The Battle Within

St. Michael’s Veterans Center Volunteer of the Year: Clarence Hill

St. Michael’s Veterans Center Veteran of the Year: Frank Locknar

Guardian Award (Organization): The Battle Within 2 — Guardian Award (Organization): The Battle Within

Thank you to our 2025 co-chairs Parry and Deanna Campbell

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors

Congratulations to the 2024 Guardian Award honorees

Joseph Mouton, US Bancorp Impact Finance and Ozy McDaniel.

2023 Guardian Award honorees

Rob Hughes, Gary Swanson, Garmin GPSVets and Carl Yonkers.

The Col. Roger H.C. Donlon Patriot Award 2022

One of the highlights of the evening was the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Association of the United States Army honoring Art Fillmore with the Colonel Roger H.C. Donlon Patriot Award for his lifetime service to veterans. SMVC would not exist without Art’s vision and leadership and we are forever grateful for his selfless service to others.

2022 Guardian Award recipients

Bob Waechter, Robin Johnson, Stuart Hunt and the Veterans Treatment Court.