August 27, 2026
An evening to remember.
Moments from the Northern California Frontline Heroes Fundraising Gala at Palermo's in San Jose.
Our Mission
Honoring those who served — and the families who served alongside them.
The Silicon Valley Chapter of MOAA brings neighbors, sponsors and veterans together for one night that funds programs throughout the year. Every dollar benefits:
- Military Stand Down
- Veterans Day Parade
- County Veteran Programs
The Evening
A program built around honor, gratitude and generosity.
Meet and greet starts at 5:30 PM at Palermo's Italian Restaurant in San Jose. The evening pairs a buffet dinner and live music with Color Guard Honors by 129th AF Rescue Wing, Moffett Field, and a keynote address.
Dress Code
Semi-Formal / Cocktail Attire
View Full Program
Keynote Speaker
Major General Mark Hamilton
In 1992 in El Salvador working with the UN Ambassador and Rebel Leaders negotiated for a week, a peace treaty that has never been broken. That same year in Kismayu Somalia, he similarly negotiated personally with rebels which caused a 14 month peace which allowed the 10th Mountain Division to return to the US. Mark was working directly for GEN Gordon Sullivan, CofS, United States Army (USA), and for his exemplary efforts ABC News senior anchor Peter Jennings named him Person of The Week.
Master of Ceremonies
Jesse Gary
KTVU Senior Reporter · Two-time Emmy Award Winner
Jesse Gary is a KTVU senior reporter based in the station's South Bay Bureau in Downtown San Jose. A two-time Emmy Award winner and Peabody Award recipient, he has spent more than two decades covering the stories that matter — from the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, where he was the first reporter broadcasting live from the scene; to Superstorm Sandy which ravaged portions of the U.S. east coast in 2012; to national, state and political races from 1992 to 2024; to communities he serves across the Bay Area today. Originally from the New York City suburbs, Jesse got his start pulling double duty as reporter and camera operator in Lafayette, Louisiana. His career has since taken him to newsrooms in Dallas, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles before landing back at KTVU in 2016 — because the Bay Area has a way of bringing people home.
From the Community
The faces behind the work.
Scenes from the programs supported by the chapter.
View full community gallery →
August 27th · San Jose
One night.
A year of service.
Relive the 2026 Frontline Heroes Fundraising Gala and explore photos from the programs our chapter supports year-round.