Last week I had the honor and pleasure of volunteering my photography services for a fundraiser for Home Base called Mission Gratitude.  For those that aren’t familiar with the organization, Home Base is a wonderful group that helps returning veterans and their families with the challenges they may struggle with when returning to civilian life after serving.  Specifically, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Mission Gratitude is one of their huge fundraisers for the year filled a star studded lineup and $1000+ seats at the Boston Symphony Hall.   You can learn more about the Home Base program here:  www.homebaseprogram.org.  Also, specifically this event, Mission Gratitude here:  www.missiongratitude.com.  I encourage you to learn more and when possible, help support this organization.   Personally, I can’t say thank you enough for what the men and women of our US military (and their families) do for our country.

The majority of my evening was actually spent photographing guests as they socialized before the event started with cocktails.  There was also a fun opportunity for guests to have their photo taken with Tim Wakefield and Ray Bourque of which I did.  Both were great sports as the guests were thrilled to shake their hands and have their photo taken with them.  All of these photos were taken using a special tool by dwinQ (also a major sponsor of the event) that allowed the photos to immediately be transferred from my camera to their email in-box or Facebook page.  Very cool technology!

After guests were seated, I grabbed my longer lens and snuck in for a few photos of the guest speakers and performers.  There were several big name folks there, but the one that struck a chord with me was the Medal of Honor recipient, SSG Ty Carter.  Wow.  His story and acts of bravery amazed me, as well as his heartfelt honesty about his own challenges with PTSD.  He is a true hero.

Below is a sample of photos from the evening.  Don’t forget to check out http://www.homebaseprogram.org!  ;-)

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Boston Symphony Hall from the stage before the show

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Comedian Sarah Silverman

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Angie Johnson

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Author and historian, Doris Kearns Goodwin

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Rita Wilson

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The Henningsens

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Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient SSG Ty Carter

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Tim Wakefield

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Ray Bourque

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Cassadee Pope

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Comedian Darrell Hammond

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Big & Rich

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Big & Rich

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Big & Rich

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The Band Perry

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