General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, former Commander of U.S. Central Command and honored member of OHF’s Board of Directors, joined Operation Healing Forces as the keynote speaker for the inaugural Chicago Evening of Honor and Impact, an extraordinary evening that raised more than $700,000 in support of America’s Special Operations Forces warriors and their families.
During a compelling keynote conversation with OHF CEO Kerry Irvin, General Kurilla offered a rare and insightful perspective shaped by decades of military leadership, discussing the events leading to Operation Midnight Hammer, the complexities of today’s global security environment and its influence on economic stability, and the extraordinary sacrifices and demands borne by America’s Special Operations Forces community.
The Windy City showed up in a powerful way uniting multiple generations of community leaders, advocates, and supporters united around a shared commitment to the mission of Operation Healing Forces and the well-being of Special Operations Forces service members, veterans, spouses, children, and caregivers.
OHF National Advisory Council member and former Hanoi Hilton POW Major General (Ret.) John Borling welcomed guests and helped set the tone for an evening centered on service, sacrifice, and national responsibility. Throughout the night, attendees heard powerful reminders of both the visible and invisible challenges often carried by many within the Special Operations Forces community as well as the critical importance of ensuring its members have access to meaningful support.
Among the evening’s most impactful moments was hearing from OHF alumni Brant and Tanya Ireland, who shared their family’s journey navigating the physical and emotional wounds of military service following a severe combat injury in Afghanistan that ultimately led to the partial amputation of Brant’s leg. Their powerful testimony highlighted the challenges of navigating recovery as a family and reflected how Operation Healing Forces became part of their healing journey, helping them reconnect, strengthen their relationships, and find renewed hope and resilience together.
Operation Healing Forces extends its appreciation Jim Cornelison for his rousing rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, and to the sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who helped make the inaugural Chicago Evening of Honor and Impact so successful. We are particularly grateful to the Markel volunteers and the OHF team whose hard work, enthusiasm, and attention to detail helped ensure an incredible evening in support of the Special Operations Forces community.
More than a successful event, the inaugural Chicago Evening of Honor and Impact served as a powerful reminder that the responsibility of supporting those who serve extends beyond the battlefield. Through the collective efforts of supporters, partners, and advocates, Operation Healing Forces will continue to strengthen the well-being of Special Operations Forces service members, veterans, and their families for years to come. We look forward to continuing that work together at the Tampa Evening of Honor and Impact this September.
