LAS VEGAS, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Folded Flag Foundation is honored to announce that Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, will be the keynote speaker at The Salute to Service Gala. This annual event will be held for the first time in Washington D.C. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at The Willard InterContinental. DeSantis, a Navy JAG is set to deliver remarks that reflect on the meaning of service, the enduring strength of military families, and the importance of honoring America’s fallen heroes and their families.

After graduating from Yale University and Harvard Law School, Governor Ron DeSantis joined the US Navy as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in 2004. He was promoted to lieutenant before serving as a legal advisor to SEAL Team One, deploying to Iraq during the U.S. military surge, and was stationed at Joint Task Force Guantanamo.

The Salute to Service Gala is dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of America’s fallen heroes and their families. This annual event brings together families of the fallen, community leaders, and supporters for an evening of recognition, reflection, and gratitude.

In addition to Governor DeSantis, Kyle Carpenter – the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, best-selling author, podcast host, and a proud Purple Heart recipient will share his inspirational story. The evening will conclude with Gold Star scholarship recipient Austin English speaking about his father and how The Folded Flag Foundation assisted him with his educational aspirations.

All proceeds from the gala will support Gold Star families through educational scholarships and support grants for the spouses and children of U.S. military members and government personnel who lost their lives due to hostile action or accidents connected to combat operations.

This year’s gala is expected to draw a full audience, with a limited number of tickets and tables still available. Supporters are encouraged to reach out through [email protected] for more information.

About The Folded Flag Foundation
The Folded Flag Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization committed to honoring the legacy of our fallen heroes by helping their families with financial support for education. The Folded Flag Foundation proudly gives 100 percent of ALL donations to Gold Star family scholarships. Corporate sponsors ServiceLink, Fidelity National Financial (FNF), Dun & Bradstreet, Fidelity National Investment Services (FIS), and Cannae Holdings underwrite all administrative costs. For more information on The Folded Flag Foundation, including how to make a donation to support its cause, please visit www.FoldedFlagFoundation.org.