About this Event
Join Downtown Rotary Club of Houston for our Annual Salute to Veterans Luncheon as we honor those who have served our country and welcome decorated U.S. Army veteran, former Green Beret, and inspirational speaker Dana Bowman.Dana's extraordinary life story is one of courage, perseverance, and resilience.
About Our Guest Speaker
Dana Bowman is a decorated U.S. Army veteran, former Green Beret, and renowned inspirational speaker whose life demonstrates what is possible when you refuse to give up. In 1993, Dana lost both legs in a training accident with the U.S. Army Golden Knights. Just nine months later, he made history by returning to active duty—the first double amputee to do so in U.S. Army history.
But Dana's story didn't end there. Following his military retirement, he earned a degree in Aeronautics and became the world's first double-amputee helicopter flight instructor. With more than 5,000 skydives and more than 30 years as a motivational speaker, Dana has dedicated his life to inspiring others and supporting veterans, first responders, and their families.
Through his Halo for Freedom Warrior Foundation, Dana continues his commitment to those who have served and sacrificed.
His message is simple, powerful, and applicable far beyond the military: Never quit. Never give up.
A Special Opportunity to Honor Our Veterans
This annual luncheon is an opportunity for the Downtown Rotary community to come together to recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country.
Come hear Dana's remarkable story, celebrate our veterans, and connect with fellow Houston business and community leaders.
Whether you are a veteran, have a family member who served, support our military community, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of perseverance and determination, we invite you to join us.
Event Details
📅 Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
⏰ Time: 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 Location: The Ballroom at Bayou Place
👔 Dress: Business
Tickets
Members: Complimentary
Non-members and guests: $75
Donate a seat for a veteran to attend: $75
See below for tables and sponsorship packages.
What You'll Experience
- An inspiring presentation from decorated U.S. Army veteran Dana Bowman
- An opportunity to honor and recognize veterans in attendance
- A remarkable firsthand story of resilience, perseverance, and overcoming adversity
- Insights on determination, leadership, and refusing to give up
- Meaningful networking and fellowship with Houston business and community leaders
Support Our Veterans
By attending this special luncheon, you help Downtown Rotary Club of Houston continue its commitment to honoring and supporting our veteran community. Consider bringing a colleague, friend, client, or family member who would appreciate this powerful program.
Come together with us to honor those who served, hear an unforgettable story, and be reminded of the power of perseverance.
Reserve your seat today and join us for a memorable Salute to Veterans Luncheon with Dana Bowman.
Donation and sponsorship opportunities
Donate a Veteran Ticket ($75 each)
You may donate a seat for a veteran to attend the luncheon for $75. We will invite veterans from WW II, Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf War Era.
Please be generous so that we may honor as many veterans as possible.
Charitable Donations Are Welcome
If you would like to make a charitable donation instead of purchasing a table or veteran ticket, please contact Luisa Deason at [email protected].
Tables Available for Sponsorship
Explore the sponsorship opportunities below to support our 2026 Veterans Luncheon and help give veterans a well-deserved seat at the table.
Platinum Sponsor | $2,500
- VIP table for 10, including lunch
- 5-minute speaking opportunity during the luncheon
- Premier recognition as a Platinum Sponsor
- Your logo displayed at your table and on event screens
- Your logo featured on the event website
- Recognition on social media and in the event press release
Gold Sponsor | $1,500
- VIP table for 8, including lunch
- Premier recognition as a Gold Sponsor
- Your logo displayed at your table and on event screens
- Your logo featured on the event website
- Recognition on social media and in the event press release
Silver Sponsor | $750
- VIP seating for 6, including lunch
- Your logo displayed at your table and on event screens
- Your logo featured on the event website
- Recognition on social media and in the event press release
Patriot Sponsor | $500
- Provide luncheon seating and meals for 4 veterans
- Your name listed on the event website
- Sponsor recognition on social media
- Recognition during the program of the veterans at your sponsored table and their military branches
You will need to provide the names of your table guests. You may also donate any of the seats at your table to host one of our invited veteran guests.
Accepted Payments
We accept credit cards.
If you wish to arrange a different payment method, please email Luisa Deason at [email protected].
Event venue & nearby stays
The Ballroom at Bayou Place, 500 Texas Avenue, Houston, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.