May 5, 2025 • 36 mins
The transformative power of community support takes center stage in this revealing conversation with your host and Diane Lunsford, the Warrior Retreat Events Coordinator. As the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary of opening its doors to wounded warriors, it shares the profound impact its work has had on over 2,700 service members and their families.
"I used to think my family would be better off without me. This is the best thing that's ever happened to me," Diane quotes from warriors who've experienced their five-day stays. The evolution is visible—warriors arrive with shoulders "up around their ears" from stress and tension but leave relaxed, grateful, and transformed by their experience on the 37-acre property with its two five-bedroom homes.
The conversation takes us through four major events that will sustain their mission throughout 2025: the Memorial Day 10th anniversary celebration featuring ceremonial tributes to fallen service members; the Vets for Willing Warriors Corvette show in July showcasing America's iconic sports cars; the meticulously organized Warrior Ride cycling fundraiser in September with routes for all skill levels; and the elegant annual gala in November that brings supporters together for a night of celebration and testimonials from warrior alumni.
What emerges is a story, not just about fundraising, but about the power of community gathering. The retreat's success relies on 150-200 dedicated volunteers who embody the mission of honoring those who've served. "We are not dialing for dollars," Diane emphasizes. "We're seeking organizations and individuals who understand why we do what we do and want to have that same sense of commitment and desire to be part of this long term."
Register for upcoming events or learn how you can support their mission at willingwarriors.org. Experience firsthand why this retreat has become a beacon of hope and healing for America's wounded warriors.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Larry Zilliox (00:00):
Good morning.
I'm Larry Zilliox, Director ofCulinary Services here at the
Warrior Retreat, and this weekwe have Diane Lunsford, our
Event Coordinator here at theWarrior Retreat at Bull Run, and
I asked her to join us so wecould talk about some of the
upcoming events that will betaking place here at the retreat
(00:21):
and off-site as well.
We've got some great activitiesand we've got some fundraisers
coming up.
So, diane, welcome to thepodcast.
Diane Lunsford (00:30):
Well, thanks, larry, and thanks for having me,
and it's always a pleasure tocome and sit and talk with you
about events, because events are, I think, the lifeblood, or
some of the main lifeblood, tothe Warrior Retreat.
So thank you for having me.
Larry Zilliox (00:45):
Yeah, well, this is the season we sort of get the
first part of the year off, inthe sense that we don't really
have any events, but we'reworking nonstop on the events
that are going to be coming up,and we've got some really great
ones.
We've got some that we've hadfor years.
We've got some that this willbe the first time we've ever
done it, which is the next onecoming up, which is Memorial Day
(01:10):
, and that's going to be ourcelebration of 10-year
anniversary here at the WarriorRetreat, and that is 10 years
from when we first did theribbon cutting on the retreat
itself.
So the organization wasincorporated and founded in 2012
, but it was 2015 when we openedthe doors to Lang House and had
(01:34):
our first Wounded Warriorguests.
So we're celebrating that thisyear on Memorial Day, but we're
also then celebrating the lives,the service of a number of
people that are close to us hereat the retreat and all service
members who gave their life insupport of their country.
This is going to be a fun day.
(01:56):
Can you tell us really whatit's going to be about?
Diane Lunsford (01:59):
Well, that's fantastic, Larry.
You know what, Larry?
You could have done this byyourself.
Larry Zilliox (02:04):
It's no fun if I do it by myself.
Diane Lunsford (02:08):
Just to kind of put some color on what you just
said.
It is exciting Every day, everymonth, every year is exciting
at the Warrior Retreat becauseof what we get to do and it is
to serve our wounded warriorswho have served us so graciously
through the years, andadmirably our wounded warriors
who have served us so graciouslythrough the years and admirably
so.
To be a part of the 10-yearanniversary celebration and
(02:31):
invite the community in, invitewarriors in, to take a focus
back on why the reason we'rehere is because of you all.
You are the heartbeat of why wecontinue to have our doors open
and have the ability to serveour warriors.
We're proud to say we've servedover 2,700 wounded warriors and
(02:56):
their family memberscollectively and that's
monumental in and of itself.
So the actual day of the eventbecause it was intentional to do
it on Memorial Day.
And the reason it wasintentional to do it on Memorial
Day is because it's a muchbroader brushstroke to say we
honor our men and women inservice and those who have
(03:19):
fallen, as well as those who arestill with us and those who
continue to pass this torchforward.
So that's the mainstay of theday, but we're going to have
food trucks.
Food trucks will be on site.
We've got some real fun goodies.
We've got the tater tots guy,which every kind of tater tot
known to man.
But one thing I wanted to makesure that our community
(03:41):
understands is each of thesefood trucks is coming to support
us.
It's their business.
We're asking the community tosupport them because in turn,
when they purchase from the foodtrucks, the food truck is in
turn going to give a portion oftheir proceeds back to the
sustainability of the warriorretreat.
So I don't want to confusepeople saying, well, I thought
(04:03):
it was free food.
No, it's not free food, sothat's part of it.
But then there's also.
There's something for young andold and everyone in between in
terms of home tours cutting,which expanded our abilities and
capabilities to do more thanjust say let's have a guest, a
(04:27):
warrior guest, stay here.
Now we're set up to be able tohave programs to do, resourcing
type information that we candelve out to perhaps
transitioning soldiers who aregoing from military life into
civilian life and having anopportunity to pave that way for
(04:47):
them by educating them on theseare some of the things that are
available to you.
So that's a great opportunityfor us on the anniversary
celebration, to enlighten thecommunity further on why we do
what we do, but to raise theawareness because we're here to
stay and grow.
Larry Zilliox (05:07):
Yeah, for sure, and so that event starts at noon
on Memorial Day.
Diane Lunsford (05:13):
No, it starts at the gates open up at 11 o'clock
.
So there'll be food service ifsomebody wants to nibble on
something on one of the foodtrucks before the actual program
begins.
The program or the ceremony, ifyou will starts at noon and
it's going to be for the lack ofa better vernacular it's going
to be a very hallowed experience.
(05:34):
There'll be recognition of allbranches of the service with a
ceremonial bricklaying.
We'll have taps.
We'll have a presentment ofcolors, the national anthem.
These are all so embodied orfolded into that whole sense of
patriotism, military honor, andit's who we are, it's why we do
(05:58):
what we do.
Larry Zilliox (05:58):
It's another element of why we do what we do
so gates open at 11 itofficially is going to be 11 to
2 and we'll have some wonderfulceremonies and it'll be a great
time for you to honor ourservice members, fallen and
those that are still with us butinjured, ill, that still need
(06:22):
our help and our care, andyou'll also be able to tour the
residences.
If you haven't seen the GrandLodge, you want to make sure
that you stop by and enjoy, justtake a tour and kind of soak it
in the property too.
The property looks beautifuland it's only going to look
(06:43):
nicer as we get more into theseason and the grass gets
greener and it fills in some.
And it's only going to looknicer as we get more into the
season and the grass getsgreener and it fills in some,
and hopefully it won't be allthat windy that day.
But that is a challenge for ushere up on this hill.
That is the first of our seriesof events that we're going to
have throughout the rest of theyear.
Next comes Vets for WillingWarriors.
Diane Lunsford (07:05):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (07:06):
And that's in July.
Diane Lunsford (07:07):
So the Vets for Willing Warriors is on July 19th
this year, and one of thethings that I think is very
exciting about this particularevent is, once again, it's
hosted on the Warrior Retreatgrounds.
So anytime we have anopportunity to have community
and beyond coming and experiencesomething on the grounds, it's
(07:30):
just a golden nugget for us,because we get to proudly
showcase again why we do what wedo.
So there's home tours, there'sbeautiful cars both core events
as well as classic cars thatwill be exhibited throughout the
day, and this particular eventis gaining more recognition,
(07:52):
more momentum with each passingyear.
I always tease Chuck Burge.
Chuck Burge, he's a boardmember, but he's also the
ambassador.
He is Vets for Will willingwarriors in terms of going out
there and shaking the bushes andraising the awareness and you
know kissing babies and you knowshaking politicians' hands Not
literally, but you know what Imean.
Larry Zilliox (08:13):
And he is a Corvette judge.
Yes, he judges competition, sohe knows his Corvettes.
Diane Lunsford (08:19):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (08:20):
And he brings some amazing cars here.
So a couple of things about aCorvette show if you've never
been to one.
They're beautiful, they'respotless.
If it's going to rain, theyain't coming.
Some of them don't even drivehere.
They get trailered in becausethey're so special the year
(08:49):
before last.
Diane Lunsford (08:49):
I believe it was the 50th anniversary.
Yes, it was two years.
No, it was Corvette's 50thanniversary.
Larry Zilliox (08:54):
Okay, and we had the Corvette from that first
year next to the next year'smodel.
Diane Lunsford (09:03):
It was nose to nose.
Larry Zilliox (09:07):
Right on display.
It was crazy how different theywere.
Diane Lunsford (09:09):
number one and Tommy Milner was here that year.
Tommy, he's a Formula One racer, a huge supporter of the
Warrior Retreat, and it wasinteresting when he came to be
part of that event because itwasn't like sure I'll sign some
autographs and shake some hands.
He wanted to be here toexperience the warrior retreat
(09:33):
and see a little bit more ofwhat we were doing.
So it does it.
I'm not saying that, larry, tosay like aren't you all so
impressed?
I'm saying it because we havesomething that is coveted, and
what I mean by coveted is wehave.
We're spreading, our news isspreading, our word is spreading
, our awareness is spreading.
(09:54):
And it's spreading because onceyou, figuratively, have had the
experience of being at theWarrior Retreat, you want to
tell people, you want people toexperience what they have.
You know Diane Polk, who is ouroperations director.
Often I love this line that sheuses, or this description that
she uses when she's welcoming anew family, the warrior and
(10:18):
their family members in.
She said I can alwaysimmediately tell who the warrior
is because when they first showup, his shoulders, his or her
shoulders are up around theirears, they're as tense as like a
stiff stick or something, andthey're just kind of looking
around, you know, eyes dartingand what's going on here and
this looks kind of nice, but I'mnot going to let my guard down.
And then she usually is therefor the guest checkout five days
(10:41):
later and that same warrior isrelaxed, giving her hugs, saying
thank you.
I used to think my family wouldbe better off without me.
This is the best thing that'sever happened to me.
So if I sound like I'm rambling, it's because I can't help but
ramble when you think about thelives that are being impacted by
(11:03):
just having that connectionpoint with the warrior retreat.
Larry Zilliox (11:06):
And that's all the result of the community and
the community support that weenjoy.
It's not lost on us here asstaff that we have one of the
best jobs ever Yep that we getto bring this to the warriors
and their families.
To bring this to the warriorsand their families.
(11:29):
We are doing that on behalf ofthe community, that they've
entrusted us with this duty tosafeguard what they've donated
and allowed us to make here onthe property.
And it is a privilege for usand it's not lost on us.
And we do use these events asfundraisers.
(11:49):
We do fundraisers.
We need money to be able tooperate and to keep doing what
we're doing and to expand whatwe're doing into brand new great
programs, which is anotherepisode.
Programs, which is anotherepisode.
But one of the reasons why we'dlike to have the Vets for the
(12:10):
Willing Warriors event here onthe property is to showcase the
property, because we can talktill we're blue in the face and
tell people all about it, butit's different.
When you come here and you setfoot on the property, you see
and you get the sense of howspecial it is.
And this is the thing that wesee over and over again.
(12:32):
With the Warriors.
We'll go to the hospital.
We'll talk to them about comeout, $6 million 37-acre estate,
two five-bedroom homes, bringyour family, you can stay for
free for five nights.
Oh, by the way, we'll have aphotographer get family photos
for you.
We'll have a visiting chef comeand make you dinner.
And they don't believe it.
They just they're like oh well,okay, maybe you know.
(12:57):
And then we get them out hereand they can't believe what this
place is, what the communityhas done for them, to say thank
you and to show their support.
So that is really why we reallylike people and we bring out
hundreds of Corvette cars toentice you to come and see these
(13:20):
cars.
And oh, by the way, take a lookaround, because you really are
in a special place and it's afun day Amazing cars, everybody
has a good time.
We have we have the WarriorsChoice, we have the Founders
Choice, we have a bunch ofawards for the people that come
out.
We get whole clubs of carenthusiasts and Corvette clubs
(13:44):
that come out, 30 cars at a time.
It's everything we can do tokeep the traffic moving off the
road and everything.
So it's a full day for us, butit's a fun day for us.
And again, that's July 19th.
Diane Lunsford (14:00):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (14:01):
And what time is the public coming?
Diane Lunsford (14:04):
So the gates open to the public at 10.
Larry Zilliox (14:06):
Okay.
Diane Lunsford (14:07):
And there's a program or a ceremony at noon.
That's it's very brief, it'snot.
That day is all about.
Come out.
This is our way of saying thankyou to the community.
Come out and learn more aboutus.
So anytime we have theopportunity to host on these
grounds an event that'smemorable, or we hope to be
(14:30):
memorable, the intentionalaspect of that entire event is
gathering.
It's community gathering, it'sgetting people together, people
that would have never in amillion years thought that they
would ever met this other person, but they came together.
So there's a real fellowshipand a gathering.
(14:50):
That happens when people cometo the Warrior Retreat and, just
to expand a little bit furtheron what you were saying, larry,
when you go to Walter Reed orwhen you go to Fort Belvoir and
you're talking with recoveryunits and explaining what we do
here, or even the WoundedWarriors and saying you know you
, you please come for a tour,please come see what we're doing
(15:12):
out here.
I can't express enough howvitally important it is If, if
anything that we've said todaypiques anyone's interest,
solidify that interest by comingto see who we are and why we do
what we do, because, firsthandeyes on the prize, you will want
to become that long-termpartner, journeying alongside,
(15:34):
journey alongside with us.
And just to kind of closure onthat it's we are not supporting
our mission by reaching out toas many people who can
financially support us aspossible, like on a one-off type
situation.
We're not I know this soundsreally quiet.
We're not dialing for dollars.
(15:54):
We're seeking organizationslarge, small in between, what
have you as well as individualsthat we want them to understand
why we do what we do and to wantto have that same sense of
commitment and desire that wehave to be a part of this long
term.
(16:14):
And once you commit to anythingin life that you decide this is
going to be a part of my lifefor the rest of my life.
It's a no-brainer, it's easy,because you're doing something
that is not only self-fulfillingbut it's fulfilling for so many
who are worthy and needing ofit.
Larry Zilliox (16:33):
Yeah, yeah, for sure it's going to be a great
day.
Please come out July 19th.
It's going to be fun.
And if you can't come out or ifyou miss that, there's the bike
ride in September.
So get that bike out of thegarage, dust it off and sign up
(16:56):
for the Warrior.
Ride.
Diane Lunsford (16:59):
This is the eighth annual, oh wow.
Larry Zilliox (17:03):
This probably is then the longest running event
that we have.
Yes, yeah, wow.
Diane Lunsford (17:10):
We are coming up on the eighth annual Warrior
Ride this year, that is onSeptember 6th.
We are blessed to have NextPoint Group as our presenting
sponsor.
This is the third year running.
We're also equally blessed tohave the Farm Brewery as the
hosting grounds again, and Idon't know if we're just fun or
(17:33):
what, larry, but when you cometo a Willing Warriors event, you
have fun.
Oh yeah, and it's a wonderfulday again where there's a lot of
community involvement andcommunity engagement but there's
a lot of fellowship and there'sa lot of that whole patriot
sense of country and you know ofcountry and just camaraderie
(17:54):
and you know supporting eachother and things of that nature,
camaraderie and supporting eachother and things of that nature
.
And what makes this ride a lotof fun is it's not a
professional road race, it's acycling enthusiast day.
There's four different legs orheats that you can ride on.
One is a 13 mile on earth flagwhich, if you're a little bit
(18:17):
like I don't know if I canreally do this the 13,.
I'd highly recommend the 13mile.
Larry Zilliox (18:22):
Start low.
Diane Lunsford (18:23):
Yeah, exactly, Start low.
Start low and build high.
Larry Zilliox (18:26):
Yeah, we'll, we'll have next year.
You can go to the next highestone and work your way up.
Diane Lunsford (18:31):
That's right.
And then there's also thethere's a half metric, there's a
full metric, and there is thegravel grinder, which is right
up Bull Run Mountain, which thatis, it's a true gravel route,
and that very much so is, forthat, beyond enthusiast.
(18:52):
But you know, if you want tochallenge, go for it.
Larry Zilliox (18:56):
If that's what you do we have that available
for you to do it with us?
Diane Lunsford (19:01):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (19:02):
On September 6th, the Warrior Ride.
So the first ride, the last oneout is the shortest, which is,
you said, 13.
13-miler.
Then the next.
How many miles is the next ride?
Diane Lunsford (19:15):
That's a half metric, so that's 27.7.
We'll call that 28.
Yeah.
Larry Zilliox (19:22):
And then the top ride the very first one out,
because they go out early,because they have the longest.
That's the metric, and that is300 miles.
How long is that?
Diane Lunsford (19:33):
It's 56.
Larry Zilliox (19:36):
We're calling that 57 miles.
Okay.
So those are it 57 miles?
Okay.
So those are the big boys,those are the professionals.
They ride like the wind.
Let me tell you.
Diane Lunsford (19:46):
Yes, they do.
Larry Zilliox (19:48):
It's the real deal for them.
I've seen them blow past therest stops like hey rest stops
are for sissies stops like heyrest stops are for sissies.
I mean, they have, they have agreat time and they are out
early because they've got thelongest to go, but they tend to
be back sometimes before theother riders and we all the
(20:11):
riders get lunch.
Yes, which is uhbecue.
Yes, comes in and we work withthem to provide lunch for all
the riders and there's somegreat presentations.
And what's really fun is wehave a lot of teams that ride,
(20:32):
so it's usually teams aroundwork.
Yes, so, like Amazon WebServices will have a team,
micron will have a team and theyfundraise to support their team
and then that comes in as akind of group donation to us,
which is really really great.
They have their own jerseys,but riders get jerseys as well,
(20:55):
right?
Diane Lunsford (20:56):
So how the jerseys work is Next Point Group
as the presenting sponsor.
Typically, what they'll do isthey want that presence on the
road, so they will issue jerseysto all of their cycling
enthusiasts who are going toparticipate.
We also have rider jerseysavailable if they raise a
(21:16):
certain amount of money for thecause.
So it's don't quote me on this,I should have been prepared for
this.
I want to say it's $750 orgreater.
They will receive a jersey.
Nice, we do.
I think it's important to do ashout out to Peter and Jeannie
Eberle.
Larry Zilliox (21:34):
Sure.
Diane Lunsford (21:35):
They are the poster children of Kentucky that
were formerly from this area.
Larry Zilliox (21:43):
Well, let's start by saying that not only were
they formerly from this area,but they were both two of my
best sous chefs.
Diane Lunsford (21:52):
Oh, I did not realize that, yes.
Larry Zilliox (21:55):
That's how they started volunteering with us
here.
Diane Lunsford (21:58):
So they are.
Truly, we are blessed to knowthem because they are so
committed to what we do and it'snot just again, it's not a one
and done like, oh, the WarriorRiders coming up.
I'll talk to you same time nextyear.
They are tied to the WarriorRetreat.
They used to live in this area.
They moved to Kentucky to thewarrior retreat.
(22:18):
They used to live in this area.
They moved to Kentucky, to theWestern area of Kentucky, but
they still travel back everyyear to do the warrior ride.
Peter and Jeannie are fiercewith their fundraising.
I think he carries a stick andthreatens his colleagues.
But whatever it takes, peter,we thank you very much.
Yes, but they're just a good.
It's almost like coming homeweek when they come back.
Larry Zilliox (22:41):
Yeah.
Diane Lunsford (22:41):
And one thing I wanted to address, because
there's something that's verymuch so, that symbiotic
relationship between the events,how the events are launched,
but what it takes to get themoff the ground.
It's not just a coordinationaspect.
Our volunteer pool for theWarrior Retreat is beyond 150,
(23:06):
200 people, and probably thensome.
So we have many pocketsthroughout the year where there
are teams of volunteers orgroupings of volunteers, like
our grounds crew or our bakerson call or, you know, the
staging group.
These are all volunteers.
The day of the events that wedo, they all assume roles and
(23:31):
fill those little holes in thedam that need to be plugged to
make it a successful day, needto be plugged to make it a
successful day, and they do sowillingly.
They source us and say what canwe do, particularly with a
warrior ride?
We have rest stops.
Those rest stops are notunmanned.
We have people assigned forsnack stations, water stations
(23:52):
where the cyclists can stopalong the way and refuel, if you
will.
But then we also havevolunteers along the course to
cheer these people on.
You know the woohoo, the bells,the whistles, the cowbells.
So we're very blessed with thevolunteer base that we have and
that, in and of itself,consistently grows year over
(24:15):
year.
Larry Zilliox (24:16):
So the other thing too I'd like to point out
about the Warrior Ride.
It's one of and I don't ride, Ican barely drive these routes
but I have talked to a lot ofthe riders and I consistently
they say it is one of the bestorganized and most competently
(24:36):
run events that they participateduring the year when it comes
to these cycling events andriding.
And that's for a couple ofreasons.
One is the signup process issmooth, it's easy, it's not
overly expensive, it's donatingto a good cause.
(24:57):
Then they arrive, they check in, they get their jerseys,
they're ready to ride.
We're going to have lawenforcement along the route for
traffic control.
We're going to have motorcyclesfrom the nam knights who will
ride road guard on groups ofriders.
So the ham operators.
(25:18):
The ham operators are going tobe out along the course making
sure everybody's safe, keepingtrack of where the riders are,
where the leads are, where thetails are, making sure nobody's
left on the route.
In case there's a problem, theycan call to have a bike picked
up.
We have a bike shop that setsup shop at the brewery Nova.
Diane Lunsford (25:40):
Cyclery.
Larry Zilliox (25:41):
Nova Cycling to tune up and repair any bikes
that need it.
We have a massage therapistHolly Holly's amazing who's on
site and she's warming up orworking with riders who maybe
have cramped up and are comingin and they're not in great
shape.
We have going back to the NAMKnights.
(26:02):
These are the sweetest guys inthe world, but they look a
little sketchy and if you thinkyou're going to crowd up some
young kids on bikes who are onthe 13 miler with your car
because they're going too slow,think twice, because the NAM
Knights are going to be betweenthe riders and you and they're
(26:23):
not going to put up with thatnonsense.
So it's a safe ride from thatstandpoint.
Yes, and then make the ride,you come back in and you have a
great lunch and it's a great dayfor everybody and it's just so
well organized.
If you're thinking about doingthis, sign up now.
Diane Lunsford (26:44):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (26:45):
And just go to our webpage.
Go to events.
It'll drop down.
You'll see the bike ride andregister.
Now.
We want to get as many peopleregistered as possible.
Diane Lunsford (26:55):
Exactly and just to expand on what you just said
, larry, once you do get towillingwarriorsorg, there's an
actual dropdown on the toolbarthat says events.
When you click on events you'llsee the warrior ride in the
dropdown.
As soon as you click that, itis driving you right to the
registration page.
(27:15):
It could not be any easier.
Larry Zilliox (27:17):
Yep, and I want to make sure I didn't leave them
out.
But at the brewery there's amedical tent set up and there's
nurses from UVA NOVA.
Diane Lunsford (27:26):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (27:27):
And then along the route, at each of the
stations, the aid stations.
There are medical personnelfrom ambulances and medical
personnel from various firedepartments in the area that
volunteer their services.
So I don't think you're going tofind a safer ride or a more
(27:47):
enjoyable ride, and of coursethe route is beautiful that time
of year.
It's through the countrysideout here in western Prince
William and into Loudoun andit's just a really nice ride.
It's a lot of fun.
So come to the Vets for WillingWarriors.
If you can't make that, getyour bike out and come.
(28:08):
If you want to volunteer andmaybe you have one of those
cowbells and you want to ringthat, that's fine.
There's plenty for you to do.
We need a lot of help, butthink about riding and think
about the whole family riding,because it's really really a lot
of help.
But think about riding andthink about the whole family
riding, Cause it's really reallya lot of fun.
After that, things tend to slowdown a little bit.
Diane Lunsford (28:28):
Oh no, they don't, Larry.
Larry Zilliox (28:31):
And yeah, we get like a three days of con and
then we start looking andtalking about the gala.
Yes so this is a big talkingabout the gala.
Diane Lunsford (28:42):
Yes, so this is a big year for the gala and I
mean every year is an excitingyear because it's a consummation
, it's the end of the year.
It's just kind of tying thatlast piece of the bow together
on the package of another year,another memorable and meaningful
and impactful year, and nowwe're going into the holiday
season.
Meaningful and impactful yearand now we're going into the
(29:05):
holiday season.
What makes this year special isit's also the 10th anniversary
of the gala.
Yeah, so to have our 10thanniversary as opening our doors
and to celebrate it with theconsummation of the year, of the
10th anniversary, with the galaon November 1st it will be at
Lansdowne again.
It's just a reflection of theperseverance and the desire to
(29:33):
want to again gather.
We may not be gathering on siteat the Warrior Retreat, but we
are gathering to pay homageagain, not only to all of the
supporters who have been with usfor many years, some of who
possibly joined this year or twoyears ago, but it's that
(29:53):
opportunity to go and put yourblack tie on and put your ladies
, put your high heels and yourbest glam look and and just come
and enjoy the evening.
Larry Zilliox (30:06):
Yeah, oh it's.
It's a lot of fun and it's.
We have an auction.
We have a silent auction and wehave a live auction, and it's a
great way to to donate and getsome cool stuff.
Dinner is always good.
It's last couple of years andthis year is going to be at
(30:26):
Lansdowne.
Diane Lunsford (30:27):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (30:28):
So it's a beautiful location, a beautiful
facility.
We always have a good timethere and it's just.
It's really a celebration ofthe warriors yes, that we have
some amazing warriors that havestayed with us.
I think of Zach, who does hisexplosive art program and he
(30:49):
donates a painting that he'sdone.
We just have a lot of warriorsthat are willing to come and
meet people and tell their storyand say this is a good cause
because it really did impact mylife and my family's life and
(31:12):
what you all support does reallyhelp people.
And we just have a slew ofamazing former guests, alumni,
that are willing to tell theirstory and say this is what your
money goes to and it's a greattime you get put on your Sunday
(31:35):
go-to-meet-and-close and come onout and have a great dinner and
listen to some great speakersand give us your money.
Diane Lunsford (31:49):
I'm glad that you put it in that order, Larry,
yeah.
Larry Zilliox (31:51):
I know you don't have to give us your money up
front.
Diane Lunsford (31:54):
No, just before you leave.
Yeah right, well, one thing tointerject there too.
It's a fun evening because wehad so much fun with the
entertainment that we sourcedlast year the Nighthawks.
They are a phenomenal swing eraband, but they also are capable
(32:17):
of doing some modern classicsas well.
We had so much fun we invitedthem back again this year and
the Nighthawks will be playingagain this year.
Larry Zilliox (32:27):
That is awesome.
They are wonderful.
Diane Lunsford (32:30):
They are just a phenomenal group.
Larry Zilliox (32:31):
Yeah, yeah.
So entertainment-wise, youwon't be disappointed, I
guarantee you.
Diane Lunsford (32:37):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (32:38):
It's quite a show and everybody has a good time
and I can't wait.
I really can't wait and Ireally like the gala and really
it's one of my favorite becauseI don't have anything to do with
it.
I don't have to Not my monkey,not my circus.
Diane Lunsford (33:00):
I'm very envious Larry, because basically what
Larry is saying out there in thelistening world right now is he
just gets to show up and have agood time.
That's right.
Larry Zilliox (33:11):
I don't have to do any planning.
I don't have to sit in onmeetings.
I don't have to do Zooms, Idon't have to do any of that.
I just have to put on a suitand just show up and eat and put
on a happy face.
That's it.
And look in my world.
It doesn't get any better thanthat, let me tell you Well,
(33:31):
that's just fantastic.
These are some great events.
Just very quickly, we'll recap.
We have the 10-year anniversary, that's on.
Diane Lunsford (33:43):
Memorial Day, May 26th.
It's from 11 am to 2 pm.
Larry Zilliox (33:48):
Right.
Diane Lunsford (33:49):
Then followed on its heels.
On July 19th is the Vets forWilling Warriors Gains open up
at 10.
Event is over at 2.
And if you have never been to,this is our sixth annual.
So if you've never participated,make the time to come out.
It's a lot of fun.
And then we continue on intothe fall for the Warrior Ride.
(34:11):
This is our eighth annual thisyear and that's on September 6th
.
The hosting, start and finishgrounds are the Farm Brewery and
Broad Run and then we finishout the year with the event that
Larry does nothing other thanto show up.
That's the 10th annual gala and, larry, I think I said November
(34:33):
1st, but I want to say it'sNovember 2nd.
Larry Zilliox (34:36):
I think it is, and I apologize for the errors.
Diane Lunsford (34:38):
It's a Saturday.
It's the first Saturday inNovember, November 2nd, and
that's from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Larry Zilliox (34:46):
Yeah, so please think about coming out.
The first two we talked aboutare actually here on the ground,
so you'll get a chance to visitthe retreat, take a tour of the
houses, meet the staff, meetthe volunteers so, like the
guest stay coordinators thepeople that arrange the stay for
(35:08):
the warriors, that havepersonal contact with the
warriors and their families andyou can ask them any question.
They'll tell you.
They're happy to talk to youabout what a guest stay is all
about.
Even the grounds crew loves totalk about mowing the lawn.
It's the craziest thing, butyou get to meet everybody when
you come out.
Our founders will be here, ofcourse, and the board will be
(35:30):
here, and it's just a fun time.
So try to make one of thoseearly ones in May and July so
that you can actually come tothe property.
Diane, thank you so much forjoining me today and getting the
word out that we've got somewonderful events coming up.
Diane Lunsford (35:50):
Well, thank you very much, Larry, it's been a
pleasure.
Larry Zilliox (35:53):
Well for our listeners.
We'll have another episode nextMonday morning at 0500.
For those of you like to get upearly and listen to podcasts,
you can find us on all the majorpodcast platforms.
Good morning.
I'm Larry Zilliox, Director ofCulinary Services here at the
Warrior Retreat, and this weekwe have Diane Lunsford, our
Event Coordinator here at theWarrior Retreat at Bull Run, and
I asked her to join us so wecould talk about some of the
upcoming events that will betaking place here at the retreat
(00:21):
and off-site as well.
We've got some great activitiesand we've got some fundraisers
coming up.
So, diane, welcome to thepodcast.
Diane Lunsford (00:30):
Well, thanks, larry, and thanks for having me,
and it's always a pleasure tocome and sit and talk with you
about events, because events are, I think, the lifeblood, or
some of the main lifeblood, tothe Warrior Retreat.
So thank you for having me.
Larry Zilliox (00:45):
Yeah, well, this is the season we sort of get the
first part of the year off, inthe sense that we don't really
have any events, but we'reworking nonstop on the events
that are going to be coming up,and we've got some really great
ones.
We've got some that we've hadfor years.
We've got some that this willbe the first time we've ever
done it, which is the next onecoming up, which is Memorial Day
(01:10):
, and that's going to be ourcelebration of 10-year
anniversary here at the WarriorRetreat, and that is 10 years
from when we first did theribbon cutting on the retreat
itself.
So the organization wasincorporated and founded in 2012
, but it was 2015 when we openedthe doors to Lang House and had
(01:34):
our first Wounded Warriorguests.
So we're celebrating that thisyear on Memorial Day, but we're
also then celebrating the lives,the service of a number of
people that are close to us hereat the retreat and all service
members who gave their life insupport of their country.
This is going to be a fun day.
(01:56):
Can you tell us really whatit's going to be about?
Diane Lunsford (01:59):
Well, that's fantastic, Larry.
You know what, Larry?
You could have done this byyourself.
Larry Zilliox (02:04):
It's no fun if I do it by myself.
Diane Lunsford (02:08):
Just to kind of put some color on what you just
said.
It is exciting Every day, everymonth, every year is exciting
at the Warrior Retreat becauseof what we get to do and it is
to serve our wounded warriorswho have served us so graciously
through the years, andadmirably our wounded warriors
who have served us so graciouslythrough the years and admirably
so.
To be a part of the 10-yearanniversary celebration and
(02:31):
invite the community in, invitewarriors in, to take a focus
back on why the reason we'rehere is because of you all.
You are the heartbeat of why wecontinue to have our doors open
and have the ability to serveour warriors.
We're proud to say we've servedover 2,700 wounded warriors and
(02:56):
their family memberscollectively and that's
monumental in and of itself.
So the actual day of the eventbecause it was intentional to do
it on Memorial Day.
And the reason it wasintentional to do it on Memorial
Day is because it's a muchbroader brushstroke to say we
honor our men and women inservice and those who have
(03:19):
fallen, as well as those who arestill with us and those who
continue to pass this torchforward.
So that's the mainstay of theday, but we're going to have
food trucks.
Food trucks will be on site.
We've got some real fun goodies.
We've got the tater tots guy,which every kind of tater tot
known to man.
But one thing I wanted to makesure that our community
(03:41):
understands is each of thesefood trucks is coming to support
us.
It's their business.
We're asking the community tosupport them because in turn,
when they purchase from the foodtrucks, the food truck is in
turn going to give a portion oftheir proceeds back to the
sustainability of the warriorretreat.
So I don't want to confusepeople saying, well, I thought
(04:03):
it was free food.
No, it's not free food, sothat's part of it.
But then there's also.
There's something for young andold and everyone in between in
terms of home tours cutting,which expanded our abilities and
capabilities to do more thanjust say let's have a guest, a
(04:27):
warrior guest, stay here.
Now we're set up to be able tohave programs to do, resourcing
type information that we candelve out to perhaps
transitioning soldiers who aregoing from military life into
civilian life and having anopportunity to pave that way for
(04:47):
them by educating them on theseare some of the things that are
available to you.
So that's a great opportunityfor us on the anniversary
celebration, to enlighten thecommunity further on why we do
what we do, but to raise theawareness because we're here to
stay and grow.
Larry Zilliox (05:07):
Yeah, for sure, and so that event starts at noon
on Memorial Day.
Diane Lunsford (05:13):
No, it starts at the gates open up at 11 o'clock
.
So there'll be food service ifsomebody wants to nibble on
something on one of the foodtrucks before the actual program
begins.
The program or the ceremony, ifyou will starts at noon and
it's going to be for the lack ofa better vernacular it's going
to be a very hallowed experience.
(05:34):
There'll be recognition of allbranches of the service with a
ceremonial bricklaying.
We'll have taps.
We'll have a presentment ofcolors, the national anthem.
These are all so embodied orfolded into that whole sense of
patriotism, military honor, andit's who we are, it's why we do
(05:58):
what we do.
Larry Zilliox (05:58):
It's another element of why we do what we do
so gates open at 11 itofficially is going to be 11 to
2 and we'll have some wonderfulceremonies and it'll be a great
time for you to honor ourservice members, fallen and
those that are still with us butinjured, ill, that still need
(06:22):
our help and our care, andyou'll also be able to tour the
residences.
If you haven't seen the GrandLodge, you want to make sure
that you stop by and enjoy, justtake a tour and kind of soak it
in the property too.
The property looks beautifuland it's only going to look
(06:43):
nicer as we get more into theseason and the grass gets
greener and it fills in some.
And it's only going to looknicer as we get more into the
season and the grass getsgreener and it fills in some,
and hopefully it won't be allthat windy that day.
But that is a challenge for ushere up on this hill.
That is the first of our seriesof events that we're going to
have throughout the rest of theyear.
Next comes Vets for WillingWarriors.
Diane Lunsford (07:05):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (07:06):
And that's in July.
Diane Lunsford (07:07):
So the Vets for Willing Warriors is on July 19th
this year, and one of thethings that I think is very
exciting about this particularevent is, once again, it's
hosted on the Warrior Retreatgrounds.
So anytime we have anopportunity to have community
and beyond coming and experiencesomething on the grounds, it's
(07:30):
just a golden nugget for us,because we get to proudly
showcase again why we do what wedo.
So there's home tours, there'sbeautiful cars both core events
as well as classic cars thatwill be exhibited throughout the
day, and this particular eventis gaining more recognition,
(07:52):
more momentum with each passingyear.
I always tease Chuck Burge.
Chuck Burge, he's a boardmember, but he's also the
ambassador.
He is Vets for Will willingwarriors in terms of going out
there and shaking the bushes andraising the awareness and you
know kissing babies and you knowshaking politicians' hands Not
literally, but you know what Imean.
Larry Zilliox (08:13):
And he is a Corvette judge.
Yes, he judges competition, sohe knows his Corvettes.
Diane Lunsford (08:19):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (08:20):
And he brings some amazing cars here.
So a couple of things about aCorvette show if you've never
been to one.
They're beautiful, they'respotless.
If it's going to rain, theyain't coming.
Some of them don't even drivehere.
They get trailered in becausethey're so special the year
(08:49):
before last.
Diane Lunsford (08:49):
I believe it was the 50th anniversary.
Yes, it was two years.
No, it was Corvette's 50thanniversary.
Larry Zilliox (08:54):
Okay, and we had the Corvette from that first
year next to the next year'smodel.
Diane Lunsford (09:03):
It was nose to nose.
Larry Zilliox (09:07):
Right on display.
It was crazy how different theywere.
Diane Lunsford (09:09):
number one and Tommy Milner was here that year.
Tommy, he's a Formula One racer, a huge supporter of the
Warrior Retreat, and it wasinteresting when he came to be
part of that event because itwasn't like sure I'll sign some
autographs and shake some hands.
He wanted to be here toexperience the warrior retreat
(09:33):
and see a little bit more ofwhat we were doing.
So it does it.
I'm not saying that, larry, tosay like aren't you all so
impressed?
I'm saying it because we havesomething that is coveted, and
what I mean by coveted is wehave.
We're spreading, our news isspreading, our word is spreading
, our awareness is spreading.
(09:54):
And it's spreading because onceyou, figuratively, have had the
experience of being at theWarrior Retreat, you want to
tell people, you want people toexperience what they have.
You know Diane Polk, who is ouroperations director.
Often I love this line that sheuses, or this description that
she uses when she's welcoming anew family, the warrior and
(10:18):
their family members in.
She said I can alwaysimmediately tell who the warrior
is because when they first showup, his shoulders, his or her
shoulders are up around theirears, they're as tense as like a
stiff stick or something, andthey're just kind of looking
around, you know, eyes dartingand what's going on here and
this looks kind of nice, but I'mnot going to let my guard down.
And then she usually is therefor the guest checkout five days
(10:41):
later and that same warrior isrelaxed, giving her hugs, saying
thank you.
I used to think my family wouldbe better off without me.
This is the best thing that'sever happened to me.
So if I sound like I'm rambling, it's because I can't help but
ramble when you think about thelives that are being impacted by
(11:03):
just having that connectionpoint with the warrior retreat.
Larry Zilliox (11:06):
And that's all the result of the community and
the community support that weenjoy.
It's not lost on us here asstaff that we have one of the
best jobs ever Yep that we getto bring this to the warriors
and their families.
To bring this to the warriorsand their families.
(11:29):
We are doing that on behalf ofthe community, that they've
entrusted us with this duty tosafeguard what they've donated
and allowed us to make here onthe property.
And it is a privilege for usand it's not lost on us.
And we do use these events asfundraisers.
(11:49):
We do fundraisers.
We need money to be able tooperate and to keep doing what
we're doing and to expand whatwe're doing into brand new great
programs, which is anotherepisode.
Programs, which is anotherepisode.
But one of the reasons why we'dlike to have the Vets for the
(12:10):
Willing Warriors event here onthe property is to showcase the
property, because we can talktill we're blue in the face and
tell people all about it, butit's different.
When you come here and you setfoot on the property, you see
and you get the sense of howspecial it is.
And this is the thing that wesee over and over again.
(12:32):
With the Warriors.
We'll go to the hospital.
We'll talk to them about comeout, $6 million 37-acre estate,
two five-bedroom homes, bringyour family, you can stay for
free for five nights.
Oh, by the way, we'll have aphotographer get family photos
for you.
We'll have a visiting chef comeand make you dinner.
And they don't believe it.
They just they're like oh well,okay, maybe you know.
(12:57):
And then we get them out hereand they can't believe what this
place is, what the communityhas done for them, to say thank
you and to show their support.
So that is really why we reallylike people and we bring out
hundreds of Corvette cars toentice you to come and see these
(13:20):
cars.
And oh, by the way, take a lookaround, because you really are
in a special place and it's afun day Amazing cars, everybody
has a good time.
We have we have the WarriorsChoice, we have the Founders
Choice, we have a bunch ofawards for the people that come
out.
We get whole clubs of carenthusiasts and Corvette clubs
(13:44):
that come out, 30 cars at a time.
It's everything we can do tokeep the traffic moving off the
road and everything.
So it's a full day for us, butit's a fun day for us.
And again, that's July 19th.
Diane Lunsford (14:00):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (14:01):
And what time is the public coming?
Diane Lunsford (14:04):
So the gates open to the public at 10.
Larry Zilliox (14:06):
Okay.
Diane Lunsford (14:07):
And there's a program or a ceremony at noon.
That's it's very brief, it'snot.
That day is all about.
Come out.
This is our way of saying thankyou to the community.
Come out and learn more aboutus.
So anytime we have theopportunity to host on these
grounds an event that'smemorable, or we hope to be
(14:30):
memorable, the intentionalaspect of that entire event is
gathering.
It's community gathering, it'sgetting people together, people
that would have never in amillion years thought that they
would ever met this other person, but they came together.
So there's a real fellowshipand a gathering.
(14:50):
That happens when people cometo the Warrior Retreat and, just
to expand a little bit furtheron what you were saying, larry,
when you go to Walter Reed orwhen you go to Fort Belvoir and
you're talking with recoveryunits and explaining what we do
here, or even the WoundedWarriors and saying you know you
, you please come for a tour,please come see what we're doing
(15:12):
out here.
I can't express enough howvitally important it is If, if
anything that we've said todaypiques anyone's interest,
solidify that interest by comingto see who we are and why we do
what we do, because, firsthandeyes on the prize, you will want
to become that long-termpartner, journeying alongside,
(15:34):
journey alongside with us.
And just to kind of closure onthat it's we are not supporting
our mission by reaching out toas many people who can
financially support us aspossible, like on a one-off type
situation.
We're not I know this soundsreally quiet.
We're not dialing for dollars.
(15:54):
We're seeking organizationslarge, small in between, what
have you as well as individualsthat we want them to understand
why we do what we do and to wantto have that same sense of
commitment and desire that wehave to be a part of this long
term.
(16:14):
And once you commit to anythingin life that you decide this is
going to be a part of my lifefor the rest of my life.
It's a no-brainer, it's easy,because you're doing something
that is not only self-fulfillingbut it's fulfilling for so many
who are worthy and needing ofit.
Larry Zilliox (16:33):
Yeah, yeah, for sure it's going to be a great
day.
Please come out July 19th.
It's going to be fun.
And if you can't come out or ifyou miss that, there's the bike
ride in September.
So get that bike out of thegarage, dust it off and sign up
(16:56):
for the Warrior.
Ride.
Diane Lunsford (16:59):
This is the eighth annual, oh wow.
Larry Zilliox (17:03):
This probably is then the longest running event
that we have.
Yes, yeah, wow.
Diane Lunsford (17:10):
We are coming up on the eighth annual Warrior
Ride this year, that is onSeptember 6th.
We are blessed to have NextPoint Group as our presenting
sponsor.
This is the third year running.
We're also equally blessed tohave the Farm Brewery as the
hosting grounds again, and Idon't know if we're just fun or
(17:33):
what, larry, but when you cometo a Willing Warriors event, you
have fun.
Oh yeah, and it's a wonderfulday again where there's a lot of
community involvement andcommunity engagement but there's
a lot of fellowship and there'sa lot of that whole patriot
sense of country and you know ofcountry and just camaraderie
(17:54):
and you know supporting eachother and things of that nature,
camaraderie and supporting eachother and things of that nature
.
And what makes this ride a lotof fun is it's not a
professional road race, it's acycling enthusiast day.
There's four different legs orheats that you can ride on.
One is a 13 mile on earth flagwhich, if you're a little bit
(18:17):
like I don't know if I canreally do this the 13,.
I'd highly recommend the 13mile.
Larry Zilliox (18:22):
Start low.
Diane Lunsford (18:23):
Yeah, exactly, Start low.
Start low and build high.
Larry Zilliox (18:26):
Yeah, we'll, we'll have next year.
You can go to the next highestone and work your way up.
Diane Lunsford (18:31):
That's right.
And then there's also thethere's a half metric, there's a
full metric, and there is thegravel grinder, which is right
up Bull Run Mountain, which thatis, it's a true gravel route,
and that very much so is, forthat, beyond enthusiast.
(18:52):
But you know, if you want tochallenge, go for it.
Larry Zilliox (18:56):
If that's what you do we have that available
for you to do it with us?
Diane Lunsford (19:01):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (19:02):
On September 6th, the Warrior Ride.
So the first ride, the last oneout is the shortest, which is,
you said, 13.
13-miler.
Then the next.
How many miles is the next ride?
Diane Lunsford (19:15):
That's a half metric, so that's 27.7.
We'll call that 28.
Yeah.
Larry Zilliox (19:22):
And then the top ride the very first one out,
because they go out early,because they have the longest.
That's the metric, and that is300 miles.
How long is that?
Diane Lunsford (19:33):
It's 56.
Larry Zilliox (19:36):
We're calling that 57 miles.
Okay.
So those are it 57 miles?
Okay.
So those are the big boys,those are the professionals.
They ride like the wind.
Let me tell you.
Diane Lunsford (19:46):
Yes, they do.
Larry Zilliox (19:48):
It's the real deal for them.
I've seen them blow past therest stops like hey rest stops
are for sissies stops like heyrest stops are for sissies.
I mean, they have, they have agreat time and they are out
early because they've got thelongest to go, but they tend to
be back sometimes before theother riders and we all the
(20:11):
riders get lunch.
Yes, which is uhbecue.
Yes, comes in and we work withthem to provide lunch for all
the riders and there's somegreat presentations.
And what's really fun is wehave a lot of teams that ride,
(20:32):
so it's usually teams aroundwork.
Yes, so, like Amazon WebServices will have a team,
micron will have a team and theyfundraise to support their team
and then that comes in as akind of group donation to us,
which is really really great.
They have their own jerseys,but riders get jerseys as well,
(20:55):
right?
Diane Lunsford (20:56):
So how the jerseys work is Next Point Group
as the presenting sponsor.
Typically, what they'll do isthey want that presence on the
road, so they will issue jerseysto all of their cycling
enthusiasts who are going toparticipate.
We also have rider jerseysavailable if they raise a
(21:16):
certain amount of money for thecause.
So it's don't quote me on this,I should have been prepared for
this.
I want to say it's $750 orgreater.
They will receive a jersey.
Nice, we do.
I think it's important to do ashout out to Peter and Jeannie
Eberle.
Larry Zilliox (21:34):
Sure.
Diane Lunsford (21:35):
They are the poster children of Kentucky that
were formerly from this area.
Larry Zilliox (21:43):
Well, let's start by saying that not only were
they formerly from this area,but they were both two of my
best sous chefs.
Diane Lunsford (21:52):
Oh, I did not realize that, yes.
Larry Zilliox (21:55):
That's how they started volunteering with us
here.
Diane Lunsford (21:58):
So they are.
Truly, we are blessed to knowthem because they are so
committed to what we do and it'snot just again, it's not a one
and done like, oh, the WarriorRiders coming up.
I'll talk to you same time nextyear.
They are tied to the WarriorRetreat.
They used to live in this area.
They moved to Kentucky to thewarrior retreat.
(22:18):
They used to live in this area.
They moved to Kentucky, to theWestern area of Kentucky, but
they still travel back everyyear to do the warrior ride.
Peter and Jeannie are fiercewith their fundraising.
I think he carries a stick andthreatens his colleagues.
But whatever it takes, peter,we thank you very much.
Yes, but they're just a good.
It's almost like coming homeweek when they come back.
Larry Zilliox (22:41):
Yeah.
Diane Lunsford (22:41):
And one thing I wanted to address, because
there's something that's verymuch so, that symbiotic
relationship between the events,how the events are launched,
but what it takes to get themoff the ground.
It's not just a coordinationaspect.
Our volunteer pool for theWarrior Retreat is beyond 150,
(23:06):
200 people, and probably thensome.
So we have many pocketsthroughout the year where there
are teams of volunteers orgroupings of volunteers, like
our grounds crew or our bakerson call or, you know, the
staging group.
These are all volunteers.
The day of the events that wedo, they all assume roles and
(23:31):
fill those little holes in thedam that need to be plugged to
make it a successful day, needto be plugged to make it a
successful day, and they do sowillingly.
They source us and say what canwe do, particularly with a
warrior ride?
We have rest stops.
Those rest stops are notunmanned.
We have people assigned forsnack stations, water stations
(23:52):
where the cyclists can stopalong the way and refuel, if you
will.
But then we also havevolunteers along the course to
cheer these people on.
You know the woohoo, the bells,the whistles, the cowbells.
So we're very blessed with thevolunteer base that we have and
that, in and of itself,consistently grows year over
(24:15):
year.
Larry Zilliox (24:16):
So the other thing too I'd like to point out
about the Warrior Ride.
It's one of and I don't ride, Ican barely drive these routes
but I have talked to a lot ofthe riders and I consistently
they say it is one of the bestorganized and most competently
(24:36):
run events that they participateduring the year when it comes
to these cycling events andriding.
And that's for a couple ofreasons.
One is the signup process issmooth, it's easy, it's not
overly expensive, it's donatingto a good cause.
(24:57):
Then they arrive, they check in, they get their jerseys,
they're ready to ride.
We're going to have lawenforcement along the route for
traffic control.
We're going to have motorcyclesfrom the nam knights who will
ride road guard on groups ofriders.
So the ham operators.
(25:18):
The ham operators are going tobe out along the course making
sure everybody's safe, keepingtrack of where the riders are,
where the leads are, where thetails are, making sure nobody's
left on the route.
In case there's a problem, theycan call to have a bike picked
up.
We have a bike shop that setsup shop at the brewery Nova.
Diane Lunsford (25:40):
Cyclery.
Larry Zilliox (25:41):
Nova Cycling to tune up and repair any bikes
that need it.
We have a massage therapistHolly Holly's amazing who's on
site and she's warming up orworking with riders who maybe
have cramped up and are comingin and they're not in great
shape.
We have going back to the NAMKnights.
(26:02):
These are the sweetest guys inthe world, but they look a
little sketchy and if you thinkyou're going to crowd up some
young kids on bikes who are onthe 13 miler with your car
because they're going too slow,think twice, because the NAM
Knights are going to be betweenthe riders and you and they're
(26:23):
not going to put up with thatnonsense.
So it's a safe ride from thatstandpoint.
Yes, and then make the ride,you come back in and you have a
great lunch and it's a great dayfor everybody and it's just so
well organized.
If you're thinking about doingthis, sign up now.
Diane Lunsford (26:44):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (26:45):
And just go to our webpage.
Go to events.
It'll drop down.
You'll see the bike ride andregister.
Now.
We want to get as many peopleregistered as possible.
Diane Lunsford (26:55):
Exactly and just to expand on what you just said
, larry, once you do get towillingwarriorsorg, there's an
actual dropdown on the toolbarthat says events.
When you click on events you'llsee the warrior ride in the
dropdown.
As soon as you click that, itis driving you right to the
registration page.
(27:15):
It could not be any easier.
Larry Zilliox (27:17):
Yep, and I want to make sure I didn't leave them
out.
But at the brewery there's amedical tent set up and there's
nurses from UVA NOVA.
Diane Lunsford (27:26):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (27:27):
And then along the route, at each of the
stations, the aid stations.
There are medical personnelfrom ambulances and medical
personnel from various firedepartments in the area that
volunteer their services.
So I don't think you're going tofind a safer ride or a more
(27:47):
enjoyable ride, and of coursethe route is beautiful that time
of year.
It's through the countrysideout here in western Prince
William and into Loudoun andit's just a really nice ride.
It's a lot of fun.
So come to the Vets for WillingWarriors.
If you can't make that, getyour bike out and come.
(28:08):
If you want to volunteer andmaybe you have one of those
cowbells and you want to ringthat, that's fine.
There's plenty for you to do.
We need a lot of help, butthink about riding and think
about the whole family riding,because it's really really a lot
of help.
But think about riding andthink about the whole family
riding, Cause it's really reallya lot of fun.
After that, things tend to slowdown a little bit.
Diane Lunsford (28:28):
Oh no, they don't, Larry.
Larry Zilliox (28:31):
And yeah, we get like a three days of con and
then we start looking andtalking about the gala.
Yes so this is a big talkingabout the gala.
Diane Lunsford (28:42):
Yes, so this is a big year for the gala and I
mean every year is an excitingyear because it's a consummation
, it's the end of the year.
It's just kind of tying thatlast piece of the bow together
on the package of another year,another memorable and meaningful
and impactful year, and nowwe're going into the holiday
season.
Meaningful and impactful yearand now we're going into the
(29:05):
holiday season.
What makes this year special isit's also the 10th anniversary
of the gala.
Yeah, so to have our 10thanniversary as opening our doors
and to celebrate it with theconsummation of the year, of the
10th anniversary, with the galaon November 1st it will be at
Lansdowne again.
It's just a reflection of theperseverance and the desire to
(29:33):
want to again gather.
We may not be gathering on siteat the Warrior Retreat, but we
are gathering to pay homageagain, not only to all of the
supporters who have been with usfor many years, some of who
possibly joined this year or twoyears ago, but it's that
(29:53):
opportunity to go and put yourblack tie on and put your ladies
, put your high heels and yourbest glam look and and just come
and enjoy the evening.
Larry Zilliox (30:06):
Yeah, oh it's.
It's a lot of fun and it's.
We have an auction.
We have a silent auction and wehave a live auction, and it's a
great way to to donate and getsome cool stuff.
Dinner is always good.
It's last couple of years andthis year is going to be at
(30:26):
Lansdowne.
Diane Lunsford (30:27):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (30:28):
So it's a beautiful location, a beautiful
facility.
We always have a good timethere and it's just.
It's really a celebration ofthe warriors yes, that we have
some amazing warriors that havestayed with us.
I think of Zach, who does hisexplosive art program and he
(30:49):
donates a painting that he'sdone.
We just have a lot of warriorsthat are willing to come and
meet people and tell their storyand say this is a good cause
because it really did impact mylife and my family's life and
(31:12):
what you all support does reallyhelp people.
And we just have a slew ofamazing former guests, alumni,
that are willing to tell theirstory and say this is what your
money goes to and it's a greattime you get put on your Sunday
(31:35):
go-to-meet-and-close and come onout and have a great dinner and
listen to some great speakersand give us your money.
Diane Lunsford (31:49):
I'm glad that you put it in that order, Larry,
yeah.
Larry Zilliox (31:51):
I know you don't have to give us your money up
front.
Diane Lunsford (31:54):
No, just before you leave.
Yeah right, well, one thing tointerject there too.
It's a fun evening because wehad so much fun with the
entertainment that we sourcedlast year the Nighthawks.
They are a phenomenal swing eraband, but they also are capable
(32:17):
of doing some modern classicsas well.
We had so much fun we invitedthem back again this year and
the Nighthawks will be playingagain this year.
Larry Zilliox (32:27):
That is awesome.
They are wonderful.
Diane Lunsford (32:30):
They are just a phenomenal group.
Larry Zilliox (32:31):
Yeah, yeah.
So entertainment-wise, youwon't be disappointed, I
guarantee you.
Diane Lunsford (32:37):
Yes.
Larry Zilliox (32:38):
It's quite a show and everybody has a good time
and I can't wait.
I really can't wait and Ireally like the gala and really
it's one of my favorite becauseI don't have anything to do with
it.
I don't have to Not my monkey,not my circus.
Diane Lunsford (33:00):
I'm very envious Larry, because basically what
Larry is saying out there in thelistening world right now is he
just gets to show up and have agood time.
That's right.
Larry Zilliox (33:11):
I don't have to do any planning.
I don't have to sit in onmeetings.
I don't have to do Zooms, Idon't have to do any of that.
I just have to put on a suitand just show up and eat and put
on a happy face.
That's it.
And look in my world.
It doesn't get any better thanthat, let me tell you Well,
(33:31):
that's just fantastic.
These are some great events.
Just very quickly, we'll recap.
We have the 10-year anniversary, that's on.
Diane Lunsford (33:43):
Memorial Day, May 26th.
It's from 11 am to 2 pm.
Larry Zilliox (33:48):
Right.
Diane Lunsford (33:49):
Then followed on its heels.
On July 19th is the Vets forWilling Warriors Gains open up
at 10.
Event is over at 2.
And if you have never been to,this is our sixth annual.
So if you've never participated,make the time to come out.
It's a lot of fun.
And then we continue on intothe fall for the Warrior Ride.
(34:11):
This is our eighth annual thisyear and that's on September 6th
.
The hosting, start and finishgrounds are the Farm Brewery and
Broad Run and then we finishout the year with the event that
Larry does nothing other thanto show up.
That's the 10th annual gala and, larry, I think I said November
(34:33):
1st, but I want to say it'sNovember 2nd.
Larry Zilliox (34:36):
I think it is, and I apologize for the errors.
Diane Lunsford (34:38):
It's a Saturday.
It's the first Saturday inNovember, November 2nd, and
that's from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Larry Zilliox (34:46):
Yeah, so please think about coming out.
The first two we talked aboutare actually here on the ground,
so you'll get a chance to visitthe retreat, take a tour of the
houses, meet the staff, meetthe volunteers so, like the
guest stay coordinators thepeople that arrange the stay for
(35:08):
the warriors, that havepersonal contact with the
warriors and their families andyou can ask them any question.
They'll tell you.
They're happy to talk to youabout what a guest stay is all
about.
Even the grounds crew loves totalk about mowing the lawn.
It's the craziest thing, butyou get to meet everybody when
you come out.
Our founders will be here, ofcourse, and the board will be
(35:30):
here, and it's just a fun time.
So try to make one of thoseearly ones in May and July so
that you can actually come tothe property.
Diane, thank you so much forjoining me today and getting the
word out that we've got somewonderful events coming up.
Diane Lunsford (35:50):
Well, thank you very much, Larry, it's been a
pleasure.
Larry Zilliox (35:53):
Well for our listeners.
We'll have another episode nextMonday morning at 0500.
For those of you like to get upearly and listen to podcasts,
you can find us on all the majorpodcast platforms.
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