The annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon in Berks County, which has raised money for nonprofit organizations and scholarships for veterans, was held last week in Reading and has now topped $1.4 million in total proceeds.
The event is held annually at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel and funded by a number of sponsoring local businesses, organizations and individuals.
David Patti with Customers Bank, the title sponsor of the event, said more than 850 people attended.
The highlight of the event, Patti said, was the presentation of the Patriot Award.
The annual award, which is given to a veteran who has gone on to serve their community, went to Doug Graybill, the founder of the nonprofit Veterans Making A Difference in Reading and manager of its Paul R. Gordon Veteran Social Center.
Graybill served in the Marines from 1969 to 1972 in Vietnam as a tunnel rat, then served from 1982 to 1984 in Beirut, Lebanon and Grenada. He served two years in the Marine Corps Reserves, two years in the Army Reserves and two years in the Army National Guard.
“Doug epitomizes what this award is all about,” Patti said. “The Patriot Award does not solely recognize the service while in uniform but seeks to emphasize the continuing service to our nation and community from individuals in their long civilian careers after their military service.”
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick delivered the keynote address at the annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Reading on Nov. 14. (Courtesy of Customers Bank)
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, a West Point graduate who was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, was the guest speaker at last Friday’s event.
According to his official website, McCormick was part of the first wave of troops deployed to Iraq during the Gulf War in 1991 and received the Bronze Star for his actions. He retired as a captain following his service.
McCormick then earned a doctorate in international relations from Princeton University before moving to Pittsburgh to start a career in business.
In 2005, he was called to serve again as under secretary of treasury and as deputy national security adviser in the George W. Bush administration.
Following his tenure in the administration, McCormick took on the post as president of Bridgewater Associates. He served as CEO until he resigned to run for Senate in 2022.
During his time in the Senate, his website said he has worked to support organizations that are dedicated to helping veterans and their families.
The annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon in Berks County held Nov. 14 in Reading brought together, from left to right, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, former Customers Bank CEO Dick Ehst, local veterans advocate Doug Graybill, marketing executive Jim Leupold and U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser. (Courtesy of Customers Bank)
Total gross proceeds raised since the event was first held in 2015 have surpassed $1.4 million thanks largely to the support of businesses throughout Berks, Patti said.
The money goes to the veterans social center in Reading run by Graybill, and to create scholarships for active and retired members of all branches of the armed services.
The proceeds have also benefited Keystone Warriors, Caron Treatment Centers’ Veterans Healing Through Connection program, Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania and Mission 22.