Upcoming Events | The American Veterans Tribute

About Our Celebration

The organization was started in 1987 by Ronald Vassar, president and CEO of General Assurance of America, Inc. The company gives a portion of its profits to help support the activities of the American Veterans Tribute. Vassar is also a veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1970. Here are his words regarding the foundations of the now traditional event in Richmond, VA.

"When I got out of the military, I knew I had to give back and show appreciation to those that have served and those that have been wounded or lost their lives in service to their country. So I started each July 4th just shooting a few fireworks off my dock at the lake with maybe 20 or 30 boats watching. As time went by, the event just grew, and here we are. It has grown into something I never could have imagined.

The water will be full of boats, and there will be a lot of traffic on the roads leading to the event. It will be a busy area before, during and after the activities, and I encourage everyone to be safe, respectful and watch out for others. We want this to be a memorable event for everyone who attends."

The event begins with a traditional military flyover and parachute landing carrying the veteran or veterans being honored each year. The event hosts live music by our our AVT band, as well as bringing a recording artist of the veteran's choice to perform their favorite songs honoring their military memories. Any requests the veterans may have, such as food, cars, or other needs are met humbly by AVT. There is a ceremonial presentation of AVT's Golden Eagle Award to each honoree and a reflection of mementos of their time of service, and formal processions by those currently serving our country. The night concludes with an amazing show of nearly 100,000 fireworks.

The event carries on the following day with a charity dinner and silent auction. Our veterans are appreciated throughout the event and their service is appreciated to the full extent by all in attendance.

Meet the AVT Band

Gerry Vassar

Gerry Vassar is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Veteran’s Tribute Organization. He is also the President of AVT’s educational partner, Lakeside Educational Network. He is married with two sons and lives in Chalfont, Pa. Gerry says, "I love the AVT concert and event not just because we can use our musical gifts for our audience but more so because we are able to support our men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country! What a fun way to spend the 4th of July!"

Laurie Schrecengost

Laurie Schrecengost has an MM in piano performance from SUNY Binghamton and is teaching in the Philadelphia area in both classical and improvisatory technique. She is an established worship leader, the mother of three, and has mentored and counseled many young musicians as a college prof and private teacher. She is honored to be apart of the AVT Band and to recognize our brave veterans who have sacrificed so much for all of us.

Sarah Janeen

Sarah Janeen is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, performer and teacher. She currently lives in Ft. Washington, PA with her husband, Tom, and seven year old daughter, McKayla. Growing up, Sarah was taught to respect those who serve as her Grandfather had flown bombers in WWII and her father was in the Air Force. Being part of the American Veterans Tribute Band is a chance for her to say “Thank you” to all those who have served in any branch of the military, risking their lives to protect our freedom.

Alexandra Petrycki

Alexandra Petrycki has been playing violin since she was five years old. She grew up in a musical home with her parents both as violinists and her sister as a flautist. As a teenager, she participated in the DC Youth Orchestra Program, which gave her the opportunity to play in various venues such as the Kennedy center, the Ronald Reagan Building, the Smithsonian Museum, and even the White House for Laura Bush’s charity banquet for inner city youth. Alexandra performs for many weddings, and plays on the worship team for Chelten Baptist Church. She currently has her own business as a wedding photographer and is pursuing a degree in nursing. Alexandra lives in Langhorne, Pennsylvania with her Air Force husband Joey and her French bulldog, Riley.

Mark Hayner

Mark Hayner, age 35, is a self-taught drummer who has been playing for 17 years and is a four-year veteran of the lake Gaston event. He and his wife Taira have 2 children, Mia, age 4, and Ellie age 8 & she will be joining the AVTB on several songs with vocals.

Mark Bastek

Mark Bastek resides in Stillwater, NJ with his wife Pamela and dog Fiona. Mark has played bass since 2002, having been schooled in church music and jazz fusion. Mark is currently employed by a major insurance carrier in Northern NJ, and is honored as a part of the band that has the privilege of commemorating veterans each year.

From our Annual AVT Celebrations