CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last month, PSAV's Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Branch Office provided event technology support through their sponsorship of the American Airlines' Sky Ball XIII fundraiser event benefiting veterans, members of the military, Wounded Warriors and their families.
The 2015 Sky Ball event, in support of AirPower Foundation, was particularly special to PSAV, as they flew in two long-term PSAV employee veterans to attend the event. Together, they helped to represent PSAV's growing veteran population of 300+ strong.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Dawn Montgomery, a PSAV employee of 16 years, attended Sky Ball with her father, a Master Chief Petty Officer and Vietnam War veteran, who was honored at this year's event. Butler Day, a 23-year PSAV employee and Navy Chief Officer who enlisted the day after 9/11, also attended the event with his wife.
Welcome Home
Sky Ball concluded a weeklong celebration of events honoring all men and women in the armed forces, with special emphasis this year on Vietnam veterans and U.S. Airforce members.
"I wanted to share with you something my father said," said Dawn Montgomery, with PSAV. "As I tried to get him out of the after-party, I told him maybe it was time to go back to our hotel, and he said, 'No, I'm not leaving. I never got a "welcome home," and this is it. We aren't leaving early.'"
Montgomery also said her dad couldn't believe he was able to visit with Medal of Honor recipients at the event. One Medal of Honor recipient he was able to meet was a Navy SEAL at the same time Montgomery's dad served, making it very likely Montgomery's dad worked on one of the aircraft that helped keep the Medal of Honor recipient and his comrades safe. Montgomery's dad also met with a Swift-Boat unit member who knew mutual veterans from serving in the same Vietnam location at the same time.
A Common Mission
Day and Montgomery also shared a unique bond: Despite both working at PSAV for well over a decade, several years passed before they learned they both belonged to the same small Naval public relations department. A photo commemorates Day and Montgomery's first meeting, which occurred in Afghanistan when Montgomery arrived to replace Day's specific post as he finished active duty.
Montgomery and Day plan to start a veterans' group within PSAV in 2016 with the ambition of recruiting more military personnel to join PSAV. They will likely turn to some of the other PSAV veterans who donated time to Sky Ball and/or attended: Brandon Goodman, Army Staff Sargent, Infantry, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal recipient, Army Commendation Medal recipient; Chris McCafferty, Army Specialist, Combat Infantry Badge; and B.J. Hammer, Airforce Staff Sargent.
Service Commitment
Not only does Sky Ball provide an excellent opportunity for PSAV to showcase its advanced technology, but it also allows PSAV to demonstrate the company's firm commitment to service, both to military veterans and to PSAV's thousands of customers served every day.
For the pinnacle event, PSAV transformed a working airline hanger into a large-scale, live event production in less than a week. Around 8,000 attendees enjoyed a 270-foot widescreen and a custom stage, enhanced by LED screens, concert sound and incredible lighting.
PSAV streamed the event live through the Department of Defense for the benefit of 2.5 million active service members. PSAV appreciated the opportunity to contribute to an event with such an important mission of honoring Vietnam veterans, U.S. Airforce members and all armed forces.
About PSAV®
PSAV is a leading provider in the global event technology services industry. As the event technology provider of choice at leading hotels, resorts and convention centers, our customers look to deliver more dynamic and impactful meetings and events. PSAV's customers comprise event organizers, corporations, trade associations and meeting planners, and they choose PSAV for its innovative and comprehensive service offerings, exceptional customer service and global platform. PSAV employs more than 7,500 highly trained staff across 1,300 venues throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East. www.psav.com
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