Beverly Hills, CA — May 24, 2025
The red carpet will roll out at the legendary Beverly Wilshire Hotel as American Legion Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283 hosts the inaugural Military & Veterans Entertainment Awards—a groundbreaking celebration honoring the creative excellence of U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members in film, television, and media. (see Award Finalist)
Amy Forsythe, a decorated Marine Corps veteran, broadcast journalist, and Parade Deck Advisory Council Chairman, will co-host this prestigious event, bringing deep insight and authenticity to the stage.
This historic evening is presented in partnership with the newly established National Entertainment Awards Academy for Military and Veterans (NEAAMV), whose mission is to elevate the voices of military-connected creators and recognize storytelling as a powerful extension of service. With more than two decades of post-9/11 military service now shaping our cultural narratives, this event marks a pivotal moment where entertainment and patriotism intersect under a single spotlight.
“It’s more than an award show—it’s a movement,” said Joe Ramirez, Commander of Post 283 and CEO/co-founder of NEAAMV. “This red-carpet gala honors those who served and now serve again—through storytelling, performance, and creative leadership.”
Joe Ramirez, Commander of Post 283 & CEO/co-founder of NEAAMVParade Deck, the official live streaming partner of the event, will deliver exclusive, real-time global access to this unforgettable night. The platform will produce and distribute two key livestreams:
The Red Carpet Experience, broadcast on Parade Deck’s social media channels, will feature interviews with nominees, celebrity guests, military leaders, and advocates nationwide.
The Awards Ceremony, streamed through Parade Deck’s proprietary network—including its Apple TV channel, mobile app, and official website—will give front-row access to military families, veterans, and supporters everywhere, from bases to hometowns. (How to watch the live-stream)
Andrew Appleton, founder of Parade Deck, remarked, “This event reflects our core mission—to amplify military voices across media. It’s an honor to help broadcast this historic night to the world. These creators are transforming public understanding of military life, and we are proud to share their stories.”
Attendees can expect an inspiring lineup of VIP guests, including Garry Littrell, Medal of Honor recipient, Cybill Shepherd, Nate Boyer, Jennifer Marshall, Michael Gregory, Kerri Kasem, Maurice Perry, Caitlin Bassett, Traci Park, and more, each lending their voice and star power to honor military storytelling.
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The Military & Veterans Entertainment Awards is more than a moment—it’s a mission backed by a powerful coalition of sponsors and supporters. This year’s partners include True Religion Brand Jeans, SAG-AFTRA, Paramount Studios, New Dawn Treatment Centers, Heroes Linked, USS IOWA, Vet Stream TV, You Matter Not Alone, and III Worlds Management, LLC.
AWARD FINALISTS
Best Film Director by Veterans
Alysha Daniele Haran – Stone Garden
Nick Palmisciano – Send Me
Todd Tetreault, Nathan Tetreault – For My Brothers
Best Comedy Short or Feature Film by a Veteran
Big Decks
Code Specter
Office Joe
Best Short Documentary by a Veteran
For My Brothers
Honor Song
How a Secret Weapon Built in Cincinnati Helped End World War II
Best Documentary About Veterans - Made by a Non-Veteran
Brothers After War
VOICES of VALOR: World War II Heroes in Their Own Words
Make Peace or Die
Best Film Writer - Veteran
Alysha Daniele Haran – Stone Garden
Nick Palmisciano – Office Joe
Simone Silva – Code Specter
Best Short by a Veteran
In the Matchbox
Stone Garden
Sunflower
Best Short Film About Veterans Made by a Non-Veteran
"Little Boy" | WWII Narrative Short Film
SOW DON’TS SING – “The Old Winner”
The Bet
Best Long Film by a Veteran
East Bay Confidential
How I Got 20
Salsipuedes Street
Best Long Documentary by a Veteran
Apache Warrior
The Gift
Interpreters Wanted
Send Me
Best Vietnam Short, Documentary, or Feature Film
A Place of Honor
The Siege at Khe Sanh, BRCC
High Tide at Wunder Beach – The John Richardson Story
Best Veteran Male Actor
Joe Gandurski – RPG
Ryan Gangi – Life After Oblivion
Benjamin Busch – 13th Night
Best Veteran Female Actor
Jenny Campbell – Goodbye Lullaby
Mia Rivera – Lizzy’s Plan: 3 Peas in a Podcast
Rhonda Gulliver – Back by Monday
Best Supporting Male Actor
Christopher Henry – Lady Outlaw
Elliot McKenzie – Life After Oblivion
Hawthorne James – In the Matchbox
Best Supporting Female Actor
Christine Mancini – Eternal Silent Night
Jennifer Simons – Louise
Eligible for Special Mention
Developing the Leader Within Podcast
Drive On: Heal Military Trauma & Thrive as Vet
National and International News Contributor – Falling Forward
Michael R. Smith – Behind The Scenes
Jeremy Walker – Behind The Scenes
As the nation prepares for Memorial Day weekend, this one-of-a-kind event reminds us that service doesn’t end with a uniform—it continues on screens, stages, and pages. Through courage, creativity, and community, these veterans and allies are writing the next chapter of American storytelling.
