August 29, 2026
An evening of elegance. A decade of impact. A legacy in the making.
Join us for the 10th Annual Emerald Coast Gala — The Diamond Gala, an extraordinary evening commemorating ten years of unwavering commitment to our Nation’s warriors. Set against the backdrop of the Emerald Coast Convention Center, this milestone event promises to be our most distinguished and memorable gathering to date.
Venue and Ticket Information
Ticket price: $150 per person
Warrior Scholarship Ticket: $150
Time: 6:00pm CST
Emerald Coast Convention Center
1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE,
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Ticket price includes dinner and dessert. Cash bar available. Formal evening attire.
For a decade, SOF Missions has brought together a community of leaders, philanthropists, and patriots—individuals who believe that those who have sacrificed for our freedom deserve access to the very best care, support, and opportunity to thrive.
Because of this collective commitment, more than $10.7 million has been invested into the lives of over 3,000 warriors, restoring hope, rebuilding strength, and redefining what healing can look like. The Diamond Gala is a celebration of that legacy—and an invitation to shape what comes next.
The 10th Annual Diamond Gala is more than an event—it is a defining moment in our shared mission.
A moment to honor how far we’ve come.
A moment to stand beside those we serve.
And a moment to invest boldly in the future of warrior care.
Your evening will feature a thoughtfully curated experience, including:
- Dinner and dessert service
- An inspiring program presentation highlighting a decade of transformational impact
- Intimate and powerful warrior stories
- Distinguished guest speaker
- Premium silent auction experience
Attire: Formal attire with the freedom to incorporate your own diamond-inspired flair
Reception: Cash bar available
Annual Sponsor:
Silver Sponsor:
Bronze Sponsor:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Major General (Ret.) James S. “Hammer” Hartsell serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, leading efforts to support Florida’s veteran community. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021, he oversees a 1,500-member organization dedicated to serving the nation’s third-largest veteran population.
A highly decorated Marine Corps veteran, General Hartsell served for 37 years in active and reserve duty, rising from enlisted Marine to Major General. His distinguished military career included leadership roles in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, earning honors such as the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Defense Superior Service Medal, and multiple Combat Action Ribbons.
As Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division, he led 18,000 Marines and Sailors across 37 states and directed global deployments in support of the Global War on Terror. Following his military service, he built a successful career in healthcare leadership and later joined the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, where he established the Future Operations Division.
A native Floridian, General Hartsell remains a dedicated advocate for veterans, leadership development, and public service.
BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION
SOF Missions offers a unique approach to combating the problem of veteran suicide. We provide care through a whole health intradisciplinary method – The Be Resilient Clinic, which is a four-pillar program that addresses the areas of psychological, physical, spiritual, and social wellness.
The Be Resilient Clinic is for military members and veterans struggling to overcome the challenges of military service and combat. We bring together providers from psychological, social, spiritual, and physical domains to assess and treat overcome challenges of military service and combat such as PTSD, chronic/acute pain, sleep issues, isolation, stress, and moral injury.
Addressing the suicide epidemic within our veteran and active-duty community requires an intradisciplinary whole health approach in order to effectively overcome struggles and live a life of wellness.