Salute to Service Banquet
Salute to Service Banquet
2026 Salute to Service: Details Coming Soon
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Salute to Service
Banquet
DATE: April 5, 2025
LOCATION: HILTON DES MOINES, 435 PARK ST. DES MOINES
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Helping Heroes Foundation Salute to Service Gala on April 4th, hosted at the Hilton in Downtown Des Moines (435 Park St., Des Moines, IA). This special event will honor the brave men and women who have served our country and communities. Our distinguished guest speakers include Iowa Hawkeye Alumni, Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson, and William “Bill” Albracht, decorated Vietnam War veteran and author. Together, we will celebrate their stories of courage and sacrifice while raising vital funds to support veterans, first responders, and their families. Don’t miss this incredible night of tribute and inspiration!
Meet This Year Guests
We are honored to feature two remarkable speakers: William Albracht, a decorated Vietnam veteran, former Secret Service agent, and bestselling author of “Abandoned in Hell”, who brings a powerful message of courage and resilience; and TJ Hockenson, NFL Pro Bowl tight end and advocate for community service, who will share his passion for giving back and uplifting others.
ABANDONED IN HELL
“Abandoned in Hell: The Fight for Vietnam’s Firebase Kate”
Written by William Albracht and Marvin J. Wolf, Abandoned in Hell is a gripping true account of bravery, resilience, and survival during one of the most harrowing episodes of the Vietnam War. The book chronicles the incredible story of Firebase Kate, a remote outpost in Vietnam where a small group of American soldiers and their South Vietnamese allies found themselves surrounded by a vastly superior enemy force.
At the heart of the story is William Albracht, the youngest Green Beret captain of the war, who led his men through overwhelming odds. The book captures the courage, ingenuity, and unbreakable spirit of those who fought, as well as the deep bonds forged in the crucible of combat.
With vivid detail and unflinching honesty, Abandoned in Hell honors the heroism of those who refused to surrender, offering readers a poignant and powerful window into the realities of war and the indomitable human spirit.
Banquet Sponsors
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS
Contact
We are currently seeking sponsors, table hosts, and volunteers who would like to donate their time and treasure to help make this event an amazing one! Interested in getting involved? Fill out the form below and someone from our staff will get in touch with you to see how you can best partner with us.
