West Michigan Heroes Next Door Dinner
The mission of the Michigan Heroes Museum is to Honor, Respect, and remember Michigan citizens' contributions to our nation's military and space program. On November 11, 2023, 800 community members, business leaders, philanthropists, and former/active-duty military will gather at the JW Marriott to Honor, Respect, and Remember West Michigan Heroes. The Heroes Next Door Dinner Events are held regularly throughout Michigan to raise awareness of and essential funds needed to continue the work of the Michigan Heroes Museum and to expand its presence online and with other partners and communities. Please consider attending to hear the below Michigan Heroes deliver their keynote address. Additionally, please consider sponsoring this patriotic event at one of the levels outlined below.
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Keynote Speaker: James C. McCloughan
is a former US Army soldier and a Vietnam War veteran. Drafted into the US Army in 1968 as a combat medic, in May 1969 he distinguished himself in fighting near Tam Kỳ at Nui Yon Hill. McCloughan was wounded multiple times during the battle but refused evacuation. After his discharge from the army, he returned to his hometown of South Haven, Michigan, where he became a high school teacher and athletics coach.
For his actions during the war, McCloughan was approved for the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in December 2016 and was presented the Medal of Honor on 31 July 2017 by President Donald Trump, the first such award of Trump's administration.
Keynote Speaker: Gregory Harold "Box" Johnson
is a former NASA astronaut and a retired colonel in the United States Air Force. He's a veteran of two space flights, STS-123 and STS-134 and served as pilot on his first mission, which delivered key technology to the International Space Station. Prior to joining NASA, Johnson was deployed to Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia in December 1990, flying 34 combat missions in support of Operation Desert Storm. Two years later, he was again deployed to Saudi Arabia for 3 months, flying an additional 27 combat missions in support of Operation Southern Watch. Gregory H. Johnson (Colonel, USAF, Ret.) was the President and executive director of the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) until March 10, 2018. He now works with Lockheed Martin.
​Honor
This special evening will is for our event attendees to join the Michigan Heroes Museum in showing their appreciation to our veterans and our current service personnel.
​Respect
We promise that you will leave with a renewed sense of pride in your Heroes Next Door, our Michigan Service Personnel.
Remember
Spend your time during our reception learning about what West Michigan Heroes have done and continue to do for our national defense.
Sponsorship Opportunities
1
Platinum
$50,000
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Listed as the event's exclusive presenting sponsor
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3 Tables - Seating for 24 guests + 6 military veterans/active
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Private reception with Astronaut & Medal of Honor recipient,
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Table photographs taken by a professional photographer
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1-year museum membership for each guest
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Full-page ad in the program
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2 social media posts, inclusion in pre-event publicity, and post-event thank you's
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Private tour and reception at the museum (30 guests (makes an excellent team-building event)
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Gold
$25,000
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3 Tables - Seating for 24 guests + 6 military (veterans/active),
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Private reception with Astronaut or Medal of Honor recipient
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Table photographs taken by a professional photographer
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1-year museum membership for each guest
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Full-page ad in the program
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Onscreen mention of sponsorship with logo during the program
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2 social media mentions, inclusion in pre-event publicity, and post-event thank you's
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3
Red
$10,000
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2 Tables - Seating for 16 guests + 4 military veterans/active
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1-year museum membership for each guest
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Full-page ad in the program
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Onscreen mention of sponsorship with logo during the program
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2 social media mentions, inclusion in pre-event publicity, and post-event thank you's
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