or RUCK!

May 16, 2026
13th Annual Heroes at Home BBQ
10th Annual VSAP (Results)
VSN FB Event & Xsports4Vets FB Event.

SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE DETAILS

Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP)

Once again, the event will be held at the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History. The route will run through Ft. Missoula Park and includes a 3-mile loop awareness walk, 6-mile Ruck event and 12-mile run. The VSAP helps build community which is one way to help combat suicide. Montana consistently has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, per capita. This event will help raise awareness and promote prevention about this epidemic by bring the community together to memorialize those lost and let Veterans, their friends, and families know they are not alone!

Permits done; Competitive Timing & Run Wild Missoula confirmed; MYCA Road Guards confirmed.
Over 200 people registered for VSAP - Have the shades, ribbon pins, and T-shirts were PURPLE this year!
VA Vet Center donated canvas race bags, and All Ways Caring Homecare, Angel Care, DVOP, GCU & MHA donated $/swag.
The Mavericks volunteered??, Isabel - Miss Bitterroot 2026??, and Denae Rachelle - Ms. Montana United Crown of America were in attendance??? (Platform is Veterans Mental Health/Suicide Awareness).
The Elks donated $1,000 to offset the cost of food & t-shirts, they brought a Gift Basket for the Silent Auction (See other donors on Instagram), and are listed as TABLING under the Schedule of Events below!
Sweet pea porta potties were placed Friday along with a Grizzly Disposal dumpster (Veteran-Owned!)

VOLUNTEER (Set up, check in, water tables, food service, road guards, medical, etc. - Must be between 10-100 yrs old).

VSAP Questions: Erick, kahilaem@gmail.com

DONATE - If you prefer check donations, please make out to "Xsports4Vets" and mail to P.O. Box 2152, Missoula, MT 59806

Questions: Anton - Xsports4Vets 406-396-8390 or Tom - Event Gatekeeper, currant1973@gmail.com

OR Event Site: Tate - RMMMH 406-239-7738, militarymuseu45@hotmail.com - MAIL check donations to P.O. Box 7263, Missoula, MT 59807

Other VSN Events CMTE members:

Clayton D. Keys, CBHPSS - Peer Support, clayton.keys@va.gov

Tim Garrison – GSUSA (Scouting America), American Legion, Marine Corps League & VFW District 1 Commander, muxchief@hotmail.com

2026 Schedule of Events:

13th Annual Heroes at Home BBQ

and 10th Annual Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP)

May 15th ~ VSAP PICK UP (EARLY walk/run CHECK IN) Package pick-up will be Friday at the Missoula Vet Center, 910 Brooks St., Missoula 1000 - 1700. Please pick-up event package (T-Shirt, Swag) on this date to ensure smooth participant flow the morning of the VSAP Event. Questions: Erick, kahilaem@gmail.com OR Anton 406-396-8390

May 16th ~ Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History

2975 General Foster Ave. (BLDG T-316) Fort Missoula

0830 - 0930 TABLE SET UP

Veteran Service Providers (VSP), Veteran Friendly Employers (VFE), or Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB)
- You MUST bring own canopy, table, and chairs and be set up by 0930.
- YOU ARE welcome to PULL UP TO THE MUSEUM TO UNLOAD; however, please park away from the museum afterwards because we need room for the Mobile Vet Center, firetruck & disabled parking.
- PLEASE DO NOT set up in the lawn of the military museum (this area is reserved for the bands, attendees/picnic tables, silent auction, and the entire lawn by the tank is reserved for youth activities). Set up around the perimeter (by the trees at RMMMH) OR in the grass in front of the CCC Warehouse, Building T-312 (the long building right next to RMMMH) OR in the grass between the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula and RMMMH.
- RSVP deadline has passed and the 2026 Program has been printed/stuffed; however, you can still get added to the VSP below - contact Shannon, snoble@mt.gov
- CONFIRMED VSP/VFE/VOB are listed below - thank you for your support!

0900 VSAP Check In - ROUTE MAP (Also on FB).

If you were unable to pick up your VSAP t-shirt & race bag swag Friday at the Vet Center, it will be at the event (gazebo in the lawn of the Historical Museum - HMFM).

1000 OPENING CEREMONY ~

American Legion Color Guard; Welcome & Announcements by VSN Leadership
National Anthem by USMC Veteran, Barbara Sim (Give her FB page a follow) & Prayer by Rob Ellis - Chaplain.
Reading of Names by VSN Leadership (Our military brothers & sisters who lost the battle to suicide) & VFW Honor Guard (3-round volley) & TAPS.

1030 Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) Run / Walk / RUCK - MAP

1100 Heroes at Home BBQ ~ FREE FOOD while supplies last. There are limited picnic tables at the event, so don’t forget your chairs or blankets (Thank you to Serve 406 for repainting the picnic tables, and Tim & son for repairing the benches).

The American Legion Post 27 & Auxiliary and VFW partnered to provide smoked, pulled and sliced pork! (Jim - Legion Commander & Robin/Aux - Smoker, Side Salads, Baked Beans & Chips).
Ruben, a Veteran at Fred's Appliance provided 2 patriotic cakes from Albertson's (+ a cake for every branch of service!)
This year, all the beverages were donated by Walmart Supercenter! (Water & soda + VSAP Water Table)

1100 - 1500 ~ Music, Silent Auction, Veteran Resource Fair, and MORE!

LIVE MUSIC: The ALL-Veteran, Bourbon & Bullets Band (Follow them on FB) & USMC Veteran, Barbara Sim will be playing acoustic during their set up & breaks!
OPEN HOUSE at Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History ~ The indoor restroom will be CLOSED. Please use the porta potties & hand wash stations outside.
- 1200 Monte Appearance.
- 1300 MYCA Rifle Drill Team was amazing, and they performed in heavy rain!
Silent Auction (Bidding will be cut off at 1pm) and Youth Activities ~ The VFW District 1 Commander will have the tank section filled with gem panning, God's Eye/Tiger Eye, a money pit, games, and USMC Veteran daughters "406 Snow Co." (snow cones canceled re weather: FB)
- We received over 40 donations, and most of the items are on Instagram.
- ALPS donated a paddleboard + accessories (FB).
- American Legion Kristofor Stonesifer Post 124 (FB) donated a bottle of Veteran-Owned, Willie's Distillery, Inc.'s special creation honoring the American Legion.
- AM Scott - Author (USAF Veteran) donated a set of novels (romantic suspense page) "I hope they brought you good fortune!" (+ Bellamah rejuvenize peel - FB).
- Barb V. made a BEAUTIFUL patriotic quilt & a Veteran spouse created a quilt of past VSAP shirts!
- Creative & Celtic's (FB) Starstone Silvermoon donated "250 Years of Freedom" wood art (FB)
- Fred's Appliance donated a BOSCH 800 Dishwasher & 10 cubic foot "element" Chest Freezer! (Specs - FB).
- Louis - Stacked Stone Photography donated a gorgeous, framed Eagle print and Keely is donating a framed, black and white print of WWII B-25 "Maid in the Shade"!
- Marcus Klassen donated artwork in honor of his brother, Michael "Precious Blood" (RIP Brother - FB).
- Missoula Paddleheads donated a gift basket (Tickets, Big Dipper & more - FB).
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) donated a hunting basket: Gerber Knife, rechargeable light, hunting vest & Sitka Cap (FB).
- Taylor's Lake "Stay & Play" ~ Two-night cabin stay on the banks of Lake Creek in Troy (Facebook). You're guaranteed to hear the historic train sounds, lullaby of the creek, and the rooster's crow! It’s a short drive to Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge, Ross Creek Giant Cedars, Yaak River Valley, Troy Kids Fishpond, and bike trails (Reserve bid: $100.00 / Gratuities not accepted - contribute Heroes at Home instead! Contact Susie, Taylorslakecreekcabin@gmail.com to find a mutually acceptable date).
- UM Golf Course donated TWO 18-hole rounds with a powered cart!
- 3 Rivers Landworks "Ground Works donated cooler & accessories" (Infinity 7000 - FB); All Star Nutrition donated a gift basket (FB); Elks are bringing a "Date Night" gift basket; FMC Books (FB); Girl Gone Nutz (VOB) donated yummy NUTS; RMMMH is donating a basket; Sally donated stained glass flag (15X21 in - FB); Laura donated paracord bracelets, and Jeanne donated her denim bears! Questions: Rebecca - Silent Auction Team Coordinator 406-241-3542, rebecca_stancil@outlook.com (they will provide you with a donation receipt / Tax ID). On 5/20, Rebecca reported that over $5,000 was raised through the silent auction, 50/50 raffle, $10 mystery envelopes, and donations - THANK YOU!!! They also had PayPal & Square for payments, and the $ raised will go towards future events.
Veteran Service Providers (VSP), Veteran Friendly Employers (VFE), and Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB)
- Agent Jen, the DVOP, and the rest of the VSN Leadership Team were there to welcome and assist you!
- American Legion of Montana (District 5 Benefits Advisor; Chief Joseph Post 135 Lolo & Hellgate Post 27 Missoula).
- Angel Care LLC (+ swag & popsicles!)
- Army Reserve *They missed the 2026 Printed Program
- Bitter Root Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
- Brain Injury Alliance of Montana (BIAMT)
- Creatum Roofing & Repair (VOB) *They missed 2026 Printed Program.
- Hellman Insurance Agency
- Girl Gone Nutz (VOB + Silent Auction)
- Grand Canyon University (GCU is also donating VSAP race bags & sunglasses)
- ??? Living in Missoula (Real Estate Advisor)
- Medicare Advocates
- Mission 22 - Help for Veterans and Their Families
- ??? Missoula Acupuncture
- Missoula “Hell Gate Elks” Lodge 383 (+ $1,000 VSAP donation & Silent Auction "Date Night" Gift Basket)
- Missoula Housing Authority (+ swag)
- Mobile Vet Center (VA)
- Montana VA Health Care ~ David J. Thatcher VA Clinic & Fort Harrison (Peer Specialists; HUD VASH; Mental Health, PACT, Suicide Prevention & VA Military2VA/TBI Program; VA Healthcare Enrollment/Eligibility).
- Montana Veteran Affairs Division (MVAD) + Ravalli County VSC (RCVSC missed the 2026 Printed Program).
- Montana Veterans Aquatic Program (MVAP - See Dive Missoula on FB) *They missed 2026 Printed Program.
- Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA is also providing Road Guards, Volunteers & the Rifle Drill Team).
- Ole Beck VFW Post 209
- Paniolo Trails LLC
- Partners In Home Care (+ Volunteers).
- Project Healing Waters (PHW)
- Red Willow Learning Center's Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program (HTOP)
- RJS Engraving & Design *They missed the 2026 Printed Program.
- RMMMH WWII Reenactor ~ First Special Service Force
- Spartans Honour Inc. (FB) ~ Marine Corps League
- ??? UM Military & Veteran Services Office (MVSO)
- VFW District 1 Commander (+ Youth Activities - FB).
- Veterans Upward Bound (VUB)
- Volunteers of America (VOANR)
- Walmart Supercenter (+ Water, soda & other beverages, VSAP Water Table)
- Wreaths Across America (Missoula)
- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)
- Xsports4Vets - Get involved and follow us on FB!
- CANCELED prior to event: Dog Tag Buddies (DTB); Patriot Pin Up of Montana (Follow them on FB).
- DVOP followed up 5/27 - They couldn't make it: Be SMART Volunteers (Youth Connections - FB); Parker University;

LINKS TO ALL PHOTO ALBUMS (2014 - 2025):

2014 Heroes @ Home BBQ & Music Festival

2015 Heroes @ Home BBQ & Music Festival

2016 Heroes @ Home BBQ & Music Festival

2017 Heroes @ Home BBQ & VSAP

2018 Heroes @ Home BBQ & VSAP

2019 Heroes @ Home BBQ, Easter Egg Hunt & VSAP

2020 Heroes @ Home & Military Appreciation OPEN HOUSE

2021 Heroes @ Home & VSAP

2022 Heroes @ Home & VSAP

2023 Heroes @ Home BBQ & VSAP

2024 Heroes @ Home BBQ & VSAP

2025 Heroes @ Home BBQ & VSAP

THANK YOU to all of our supporters in 2025:

We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback, and Erick said 285 people registered for VSAP (285 registered and probably 325 walked).
The BBQ was the BEST we’ve had since pre-covid (480+ plates).
The silent auction was HUGE, and MHA reported that one of the Valor House residents donated his own artwork! (RIP Robert)
There were so many amazing donations, service providers tabling, and all-around GOOD VIBES.

2025 DONORS:

All Star Nutrition ~ Water Table Host + Nutrition Supplies.
The American Legion Post 27 & VFW Post 209 partnered to provide the smoked, pulled and sliced pork!
AFSP, All Ways Caring Homecare, Amazon, Dog Tag Buddies, Hellman Ins., Medicare Advocates, Serengeti Care & TGRC ~ Swag
Art and Movement Summer Camp ~ Games & crafts for the kiddos!
BANDS: Joyride, Calamity Cowboy and Blinded. Some country, rock covers and alternative. There was a little bit of something for everyone!
Bitterroot Valley Military Program (BVMP) & Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) Volunteers!
Grand Canyon University (GCU) tabled & donated the VSAP race bags!
Missoula Housing Authority ~ Travel Utensils on a Caribiner
Missoula Therapy, PLLC ~ Water Table Host
National Anthem by Sara Knab.
PEPSI CO OF MISSOULA ~ Soda & Water.
Personal check in the memory of John Bryan.
SILENT AUCTION in 2025: 0241 Tactical ~ Gift Certificate; All Star Nutrition; ALPS ~ Gift Basket (Cooking sauce's, grill mitts, skewers, beef injection mixtures, burger press etc.); All Ways Caring Homecare ~ Pet Themed Gift Basket; AM Scott, Author & USAF Veteran ~ Set of Novels; Anonymous ~ Vintage Betty Boop Collector's Doll; Art & Movement Summer Camp Gift Basket (munchies); Back Home Crochet ~ Crocheted Afghan (Blanket); Ball Family ~ Grill & Gardening Themed Basket; Barb Vandercook (Trenton, MI) - Beautiful Fleece Blanket & Lap Quilt; Bellamah Aesthetics ~ Photo-Fabulous Laser Treatment; Big Dipper ~ Gift Cards; Dani Montana Photography ~ Mini Session (20 minutes, 15 Digital Images); Denny Menholt University Honda ~ GC for an Oil Change; Fred's Appliance ~ Conservator Freezer; Jeweled Halo; Keely M. Zimmerman Photography (VOB) ~ Miss Montana Print; Kelly Palmer ~ Guided Flyfishing Trip; Key's Family ~ Dental Basket & Steel Artwork (RMEF); Lolo Liquor & Wine (On program as Burgess, Tina) ~ Liquor Gift Basket (Horse Soldier Bourbon, Crown's Purple Bag Project, Willie's Distillery Devil’s Brigade Whisky, Cape Horn Tequila); Martha's Sewing Ministry ~ Quilt (pictured but missed program); Missoula “Hell Gate Elks” Lodge 383 ~ Date Night Basket; Missoula Paddleheads; Missoula Scuba & Snorkel (Dive Missoula) ~ 4 Discover Scuba Pool Exp + 1 Padi Open Water Scuba Certification; Montana Honor Guard/Walking for the Fallen & PGA HOPE - In the Company of Heroes (Framed/signed artwork by Matt Hall), USMC saber, bookends & steel artwork; Morningstar, Jenna ~ "Best Self Relaxation" / LED Glass Aroma Diffuser gift basket; OnX ~ Subscriptions to Backcountry Elite Membership App Card (1) & Backcountry Premium Membership App Card (3); Pederson, Becky ~ Gift Basket; RMEF - Montana Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation - Team Elk Backpack; RJS Engraving ~ Laser Artwork; RMMMH ~ War Themed Package; Rod Hope, Hope's Tools LLC, Snap-on Tools ~ Beach Themed Cooler Backpack (Hats, floaty, beach towel & beach supplies); Schlimgen, Isabella ~ Knitted Scarves; Stacked Stone Photography ~ Print (Missoula Alley) by Louis Matteau, Army Veteran; Star Shower Designs (Rella Lembke) ~ Jewelry; Stretch Wool; Tegart, Robert (RIP) ~ Handcrafted Castle; TruGreen of Missoula ~ $250 Gift Cert (Lawn Care Service); Taylor’s Lake Creek Cabins & Events Rentals ~ 2 Night Stay in Troy; TrailWest Bank (Frenchtown) ~ Picnic Swag & Cutlery Set; Two Dog Garage ~ Two Auto Care Buckets (2 Oil Changes each + Car Care Products); UM Golf Course ~ Gift Cert for 18 holes with Cart for 2 People; Verlanis ~ Gift Basket (Pending); VFW ~ Liquor Basket (Pending); Walmart ~ 2 "Made in Montana" Gift Baskets.
TABLES in 2025 ~ Veteran Service Providers (VSP), Veteran-Friendly Employers (VFE), and Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP); American Legion of Montana ~ District 5, Posts 27, 68, 83 & 135; American Red Cross of Idaho, Montana & E. OR ~ Service to the Armed Forces and International Services-US; Army Reserve + HUMMER; Art and Movement Summer Camp + Kid's Activities; Be SMART ~ "Secure storage" + Gun Locks; Big Sky Life Support ~ VOB; Bitter Root Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; Bitterroot Valley Military Program (BVMP); Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans; Canine Companions (no CC table, but Kristian discussed Montana K9 Care on stage); Century 21 Peak Properties, Diana Filkins ~ Missoula Montana Realtor; Edward Jones ~ James McKelvie, Financial Advisor & Navy Veteran; Hellman Insurance Agency; Housing Montana Heroes ~ The Poverello Center's Veteran Services Team; Marine Corps League (no table, but Bill was in the Honor Guard); Medicare Advocates / HUMANA; Missoula County Community Justice Department ~ Veteran Services & Watershed; Missoula “Hell Gate Elks” Lodge 383; Missoula Housing Authority (MHA); Missoula Scuba ~ VOB; Montana DPHHS ~ Vocational Rehab and Blind Services (VRBS); Montana Honor Guard/Walking for the Fallen ~ VOB / POW-MIA Table & PGA HOPE; Montana VA Health Care ~ 2-3 Peer Specialists; Beneficiary Travel; Congressional Liaison/Chief Compliance Officer; HUD VASH; M2VA; Patient Advocate (Veteran Experience); MVAD; Patriot Pin Up; Public Affairs Officer; VA Mental Health; VHA Eligibility/Enrollment; Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (Transitional Work/Community Based Employment); Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD); Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA); Patriot Pin Up; Ravalli County Veterans Service Center; Red Willow Learning Center, Inc. ~ Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program (HTOP); Serengeti Care; Sport Clips ~ VOB Franchise; VA Mobile Vet Center & Missoula Vet Center; Veterans Upward Bound (VUB); VFW; Walmart Supercenter (VFW, VSAP Water Table Host + Snacks & Swag + SA above!)
USMC Recruiting ~ Volunteers!

The 2025 Heroes at Home BBQ & VSAP was SPECTACULAR…thank you so much!

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