SAN ANTONIO – (Feb. 8, 2025) – Legionnaire Burrell Parmer, commander of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828, was honored at the 6th Annual Jacqueline Smith Foundation Dancing with the Vets, held at the Double Tree by Hilton.

Annually, the Jacqueline Smith Foundation hosts a Valentine's dance and Volunteer Veteran Awards program to educate veterans on resources available to them in the community.

Parmer (Marine Corps), Ayana Brown (Navy), Calvin Henry (Marine Corps) and Bettie Vaughan (Army) were presented with Volunteer Veteran Awards.

“The Jacqueline Smith Foundation is humbled to recognize the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of our veterans through the Volunteer Veteran Award,” said founder Jacqueline Smith. “These brave men and women signed a blank check with their lives, choosing to protect our country and the world, often at great personal cost. They have given up so much - even their very own lives - to ensure the freedoms we enjoy every day.”

According to Smith, though the world may not always show its appreciation, those in attendance stood grateful, thankful and deeply blessed by veterans’ courage, selflessness and service.

“To every veteran: your contributions will never be forgotten, and your sacrifices will always be honored,” said Smith. “You are seen, valued and loved.”

In addition to receiving the award, Parmer also served as one of the judges for the Dance Battle of the Vets and Best Boots competitions.

“It was an honor to attend the annual event,” said Parmer. “It feels my heart to know that we have people like Jacqueline and those at her foundation who care about us and see what veterans can do for their community after military service.”

The Jacqueline Smith Foundation thanked all their honorees for their hard work, and dedication to our community and for the phenomenal leaders they are.

The mission of Fred Brock Post 828 is to enhance the well-being of San Antonio’s veterans, their families, the military and the community by its devotion to mutual helpfulness.