May 13, 2026
Avalon Action Alliance welcomed leaders, veterans, advocates, and supporters to the beautiful Oak Hills Country Club for a special We Are Avalon fireside chat focused on the invisible wounds impacting our nation’s veterans and first responders.
Hosted in San Antonio, TX, the evening created space for meaningful conversation around leadership, resilience, service, and the growing need to expand access to care for those navigating traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and substance abuse challenges.
Avalon was honored to welcome Dr. Mark T. Esper, 27th Secretary of Defense, as the evening’s featured guest. The conversation was facilitated by Kate Shattuck, Managing Partner at Korn Ferry, and hosted by Joe Brennan, CEO of Avalon Action Alliance. Together, the discussion explored the importance of continued leadership and support for veterans and first responders long after their service ends.
Avalon extends special thanks to Jim and Claudia Traa for their generous hospitality and support in helping bring the evening to life.
The organization also recognized Marcus Ruzek, Senior Program Director at The Marcus Foundation, for sharing personal reflections and speaking powerfully about the importance of Avalon’s mission and the impact of coordinated care across the country.
The We Are Avalon series continues to bring together communities and supporters committed to ensuring veterans and first responders receive the care and support they deserve.