Pulling up at Fight the War Within's third annual Warriors Ball at Savannah Station on July 29, I see the station’s petite owner, Teresa Reed waving me over for a front row parking space next to a Corvette, Porsche, and a race car from MotorSports Mafia.
Teresa then climbs up on top of "Smokey." my Jeep Gladiator to do a “Welcome to Savannah Station” video clip for me along with her trusty assistant Emily Szynaka. Sporting purple hair, Emily tells me that her hair color choice is for Alzheimer awareness before waving Veterans Council Chairman Joe Higgins over to join her and Teresa for a pic.
Now a champ at posing for pics, Joe is looking dapper in a black suit and army green bowtie and may have blushed a little when I congratulated him on being appointed to the Veterans Service Foundation then elected chairman of this elite organization.
Before heading inside the iconic railroad station, Teresa and I talked about her unwavering support for the military.
“My husband was in the Army and the Navy so this event is near and dear to my heart. We offered FTWW a large nonprofit discount and hope to host every one of their galas,” shares the station's 25-year veteran.
Walking in an already packed parlor, I see a vision in red greeting me. Say hey to my long time friend Amy Headrick! FTWW’s Director of Events gives me a rundown on all the fabulous silent auction items.
“We have everything from a kayak, laser skin treatments, guns and massages to flag lamps and restaurant gift cards,” shares Headrick.
Of course I need a pic of Amy so I wave retired U.S. Army Col. Rich Noel and retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Harry Gardnar over for a mini posing session before catching Savannah Police Department’s Sgt. Kaishawn Samuell’s eye. Proud to see the 18-year police veteran off duty, I follow him over to his host table to meet MotorSports Mafia’s Debbie and Michael Gallagher.
I chat with Michael about his late model race car, former life as a police officer, service in the Coast Guard and hosting the Fight the War Within website marketplace. With a goal to drive in NASCAR, Michael gets amped when talking about this Friday’s Track Attack at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale.
“The course is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for anyone wanting some high speed opportunities,” shares the racing enthusiast.
Next up is the camera-friendly Gena Sullivan. Busy checking in guests with Corbin Berry, Rebekah Werkman and Taylor Gallagher, I wait for a lull in arrivals to snap a group pic and then have a quick chat with the communication specialist and City of Rincon Public Information Officer.
An avid traveler, work is keeping her on the road to Louisiana then New York followed by a personal trip to her favorite place on Earth: Ireland.
“I am planning my 10th trip over, you know I got married in Ballina, County Mayo in April and that I have found lifelong friends there. I would move there tomorrow if I could,” shares the vivacious red-head.
With tuxedo-clad men and red-dressed ladies arriving, I weave my way over to snap a pic of the Fight the War Within board members. Founder Miranda Briggs and founding board member Amy Headrick along with Stephanie Boaz and Jane Orr flank James Collins for my best group pic of the night.
Well look at this! Sitting at Danny Merritt’s A Southern Lifestyle table is my good friend Greg Lard. Surprised to see him out on the town, I introduce myself to the ladies at his table and meet Labels on Liberty co-owner Lynette “Lulu” Ward.
Literally talking about the new designer consignment shop a few hours ago with our mutual friend Catherine Howe, I am thrilled to take a seat to get the low down on Liberty Street's newest business.
“We are bringing high end fashion and sustainable curated pieces to Savannah. We had a ribbon cutting a week ago and are working with Safe Shelter to help raise funds for this worthy cause,” shares the Savannah native.
Y’all know I don’t have a bit of fashion, but I do love a designer bag, shoes and maybe some Harkleroad Jewelry pieces. So, I promise to catch up with Lulu after the next Savannah Downtown Business Association where I have extended an invite to her and her partner Georgia “GiGi” Keys.
Next up a chatty Dario Vergara poses with his wife Lauren and tells me they are both FTWW volunteers and are celebrating their 7th anniversary. He then steps over for a manly pic with Miranda’s fiance Nathan Berry and Adrian Orr before I zoom off to hug fashionista Rosa Gonzalez Phelps.
With her husband Dwayne posing with her, I take my favorite couple photo of the night then snap more pics of downtown queen Connie Hiott and her man Mark. Waiting for a pic is a couple I see way too much of — Tonya and Todd Reed of Henry Plumbing. With so many visits to my house that I started doing videos for them, I can’t say enough good stuff about the third generation, military-supporting team!
After admiring American Legion First District Commander Casey Nash’s dress and hairstyle, I head over to get some exciting news from the powerful Jennifer Fortenberry.
“I start my new job with Jacobs Engineering Group this week,” shares the former Blackhawk pilot.
Slowing down, I make my way over to my Step One Automotive Group family. Finally able to share the big news, I can tell y’all that Weslyn Mahogany Bowers has accepted the position of Georgia Marketing Manager. Stepping into Maja Ciric’s shoes is an easy transition for the local girl with deep roots, and we will all benefit from Mahogany’s community ties.
After complimenting Mahogany’s dad, Wesley Bowers on raising a fierce, fab female, I hug my favorite Post Commander James Putney and the chattiest veteran in town, James Evans. Glancing up, I see my fellow Step One queen Chelsea Simpson arriving. Wearing a green fitted custom design from Daniette Thomas, Chelsea looks like Cinderella as she waits for her prince Dre Edwards to arrive.
Making a lap around the room, I pause when James takes the mic to announce 22 fallen warriors and see the candles being lit for the fallen police officers, firefighters, Army and Marine Corp service members. Silence covers the room while we all reflect on why we are here tonight.
Fight the War Within is dedicated to keeping these warriors' memories alive and works to combat loss of life from our first responders, military and veterans. By providing outside mental health resources, peer support, care packages and events to promote camaraderie, Miranda Briggs, her dedicated board members and team of volunteers provide hope for people battling their internal wars.
Picture a standing ovation and a military salute for a job well done to the Fight the War Within team!
