American Latino Veterans Association & ALPFA DC Host Successful “Whole Veteran Wellness: Healing, Empowerment, and Progress” Event in Washington, DC

Washington, D.C. — The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA), in collaboration with ALPFA DC and with generous support from sponsors AT&T, PMI (Philip Morris International), JPMorgan Chase, T-Mobile, and Wells Fargo, hosted a highly successful day-long event and awards reception on November 12, 2025 at the AT&T Forum in Washington, DC. The event brought together leaders from government, business, public health, and the veteran community for a deep and solutions-driven discussion on the holistic well-being of Latino veterans.

Photos of the Panels: Click Here
Photos of the Awards: Click Here

Video of the Panels: Click Here
Video of the Awards: Click Here

Four major panel sessions anchored the afternoon:

Harm Reduction Panel: Moderated by Mazen Saleh (R Street), expert panelists Samuel Rogers (PMI), Ana Fitzgibbons (Diageo), and Alicia Denis (U.S. Secret Service) explored practical and culturally informed approaches to reducing harm related to tobacco, alcohol, and substance use.

Mental Health Panel: Moderated by Danny Vargas, panelists Victor Medina (TBI Warrior Foundation), Dr. Anna Makela, Jonathan Agudelo (U.S. DoT), and Jeanette Gilles (AWP) focused on PTSD, trauma, TBI, destigmatization, and improving access to culturally competent mental health care.

Economic Empowerment & Opportunity Panels (Parts 1 & 2): Moderated by Craig Dellorso (RSM) and Justin Velez-Hagan (NPRCC), these sessions featured speakers from the public and private sectors—including James Albino, Kevin Ward (Micron), Chibunna Chimezie (bETA), Raul Jurado (LFCA), and Anthony Hinojosa (USHCC)—discussing housing, employment, skills training, entrepreneurship, and capital access.

The evening’s ALVA Awards Reception, celebrated exceptional leaders in the Latino veteran community. Biographies of the honorees can be found HERE. Six awards were presented:

Veteran in Business Award – Honoree: Justin Velez-Hagan
Familia Award – Honoree: Marie Robles
Community Service Award – Honoree: Jeyben Castro
DC Veteran of ALPFA Award – Honoree: Eduardo Reyes Chávez
Military Service Award – Honoree: Roy Love
Role Model Award – Honoree: James Albino

“This event showcased the best of what can happen when the public, private, and nonprofit sectors come together with one shared goal—to support, empower, and honor our veteran community,” said ALVA Chair Danny Vargas. “From health and wellness to economic advancement, our community is stronger when we collaborate to ensure every veteran has the opportunity to thrive.”