Greetings esteemed committee members, sponsors, and supporters, I am deeply honored for the opportunity to serve as your AVB Chairman during this 2017 year. I am mindful of the AVB’s goal of CONNECTING our PAST and PRESENT military veterans to our upcoming generational and FUTURE leaders of America. With your help we will make this year’s ball not only, an “opportunity” for veterans and our youth, but an EXPERIENCE that also serves as a shared community investment. I bring over 20 years of leadership experience gained through my career in the United States Marine Corps and other veteran organizations that I am a member of. However, it’s not about me. As Kenneth Blanchard, the auditor and management expert, wrote: “No one is as smart as all of us”. Therefore, in order for us to make this an awe-inspiring event we will need to collaboratively merge our ideas and expertise. I am more than confident that the AVB 2017 committee will rise to the challenge and continue the standard set forth in previous years.

Madyun Shahid

Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps, Retired