Ultimate Wingman Awards Banquet

The Wingman Foundation, in partnership with Verizon Wireless, will present the inaugural "Ultimate Wingman Awards Banquet" at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. The event will recognize and reward three Georgia-based troops for their exemplary service. These military heroes will be honored for being wingmen to our country. Their stories of service and sacrifice will be shared amidst family, friends, and the local community and a "Wingman Pinning Ceremony’ will follow.

Participants in the program include Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, Ansel Brown, and Steve Rizzo. Lt. Gen. Atkins is President of The Augusta Chronicle. Prior to joining the private sector he served as Lieutenant General in the US Air Force. At the time of his retirement he was commander of Alaskan Command, Alaska NORAD Region, Joint Task Force Alaska and 11th Air Force at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Rising country star Ansel Brown will perform a couple of his hits, including "Our Country," his new patriotic anthem recognizing veterans. Steve Rizzo, a longtime comedian and motivational speaker, also known as the "Attitude Adjuster," will handle emcee duties for the evening.

 The Wingman Foundation, co-founded by Lt. Col. Rob "Waldo" Waldman and his identical twin brother Dave, raises funds and awareness for soldiers, veterans, and their families in need. A portion of the banquet proceeds will be used to benefit Hire Heroes USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating job opportunities for U.S. military veterans and their spouses through personalized employment training and corporate engagement. Those honored will also give back to non-profits of their choosing that evening that support veterans.

Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at http://www.theultimatewingman.com