The Miracle of the Seventh One Yard at a Time Gala

The 7th Annual One Yard at a Time Gala, hosted by Lettermen of the USA (LotUSA) on Friday, February 27, 2026, at The Club in Birmingham, Alabama, stands as our organization’s flagship fundraiser. The event supports the critical programs we care so deeply about for our veterans: home modifications, mobility aids, and Shelters for Heroes—a program that provides temporary, safe, and warm shelter (typically 3–7 days) for homeless veterans while connecting them to VA care, HUD-VASH housing, long-term support, and real pathways toward stability.

Shelters for Heroes is an immediate bridge in the fight against veteran homelessness, and we continue to look toward long-term solutions such as Heroes Village, the planned multi-unit community of affordable tiny homes and supportive housing that I dream of seeing become reality.

The evening featured dinner, live and silent auctions (with autographed memorabilia—including mini helmets signed by the athletic honoree), patriotic music, inspiring stories, cocktails, the posting of the colors, the national anthem, and opportunities for military heroes, former college and professional athletes, coaches, and supporters to connect—all of us united in service to those who have served our nation.

A Year Unlike Any Other

The journey to the 2026 gala was unlike anything I’ve experienced before: a prolonged season of uncertainty, setbacks, and relentless effort.

What began as routine planning in 2025 gradually unraveled into months of adaptation, culminating in a frantic final push where I knew success would depend not on flawless execution, but on faith.

I said it many times throughout the process: “If this gala succeeds, it will be because God Himself showed up.”

Looking back now, that statement proved true.

Scripture often tells this same story—God delivering at the last possible moment, when human hope is exhausted and His hand becomes unmistakably clear.

The Honoree Crisis: A Foundation Shaken from the Start

We traditionally secure honorees for the following year during the previous gala, allowing a full cycle of promotion, sponsorship outreach, media appearances, and community momentum.

For 2026, that process derailed early.

The first potential honoree received a cancer diagnosis shortly after initial discussions began. After treatment and clearance, circumstances still prevented a firm commitment, and they graciously asked to step aside for 2026 while leaving open the possibility of 2027.

A second strong candidate was pursued through the summer, but by September 2025 no definitive commitment materialized. With corporate sponsorship deadlines approaching—many requiring proposals by September or October—further delay threatened the viability of the entire event.

At that crossroads, many organizations might have scaled back or postponed.

But Major Ogilvie, Richard Shea, and I—the core fundraising team—refused to quit.

Recognizing that honorees historically contributed little directly to sponsorships, we agreed that if a suitable honoree stepped forward, we would simply carry the sponsorship load ourselves.

This moment mirrored Abraham’s trial in Genesis 22:1–14, where God provided the ram only when Abraham had reached the knife’s edge—the eleventh hour—so that the provision would clearly come from Him alone.

Abraham named that place Yahweh Yireh—“The Lord Will Provide.”

And God did provide.

The 2026 Military Honoree became Staff Sergeant Alan Cook, a distinguished U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Alabama native whose service included work as a Military Working Dog Handler and deployments supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn, along with service supporting both the Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State.

The 2026 Athletic Honoree became Steadman Shealy, former University of Alabama quarterback who helped lead the Crimson Tide to the 1979 national championship under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, contributing to Alabama’s back-to-back national titles in 1978 and 1979.

Their acceptance came later than ideal, compressing months of promotion into a few intense weeks of radio, television, and community outreach—including appearances on ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama and CBS 42.

The Cascade of Crises

The late honoree confirmation amplified every obstacle I faced.

Among the challenges:

• Endless personal outreach—calls, texts, interviews, and sponsor meetings—carried primarily by Major Ogilvie, Richard Shea, Ardita Kransniqi, and me. • A severe blood pressure spike (175/85) that caused near-fainting upon arriving in Birmingham, requiring medication and doctor-ordered rest at the worst possible moment. • Apple spam charges freezing my iMessage devices and disrupting urgent communications. • A harsh rejection on February 16 at a former car industry contact’s dealership, triggering baseless accusations of spamming and vendor misconduct that resulted in wrongful termination by that vendor. • The Executive Director being struck by stomach flu at a critical moment. • Ongoing coordination challenges with last-minute logistics and event updates from planner Yvonne Pope.

These formed what felt like a chain of resistance pressing in on me.

It echoed the moment when the Israelites stood trapped at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13–14)—the army closing in, no escape in sight.

Moses declared: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

God waited until the brink—and then parted the waters.

Likewise, in John 11, Jesus delayed until Lazarus had been dead four days before raising him, ensuring the miracle would unmistakably glorify God.

The delay magnified the deliverance.

Unsung Heroes in the Trenches

Amid the storm, several team members rose with extraordinary dedication—none more so than Major Ogilvie and Richard Shea.

Major Ogilvie’s tireless, relentless pursuit of sponsors was nothing short of heroic. He went after every lead with unwavering determination, making call after call, following up persistently, and refusing to accept “no” as final. His dogged effort carried much of the sponsorship load throughout the entire ordeal, especially during the long months when momentum seemed stalled and the numbers looked bleak. Without his steadfast commitment and refusal to give up, we would not have reached the breakthrough we did. Major Ogilvie truly embodied the spirit of perseverance that turned the tide.

Richard Shea performed remarkable yeoman’s work for LotUSA—steady, reliable contributions that helped keep the organization moving forward during the most difficult moments. As the leader of Morris-Shea Bridge Company, Inc., Richard not only provided invaluable operational support but also stepped up as our Title Sponsor, giving the gala a strong foundation of corporate backing and demonstrating his deep personal commitment to our mission for veterans.

Ardita Kransniqi became an ace in the hole, stepping forward at the last minute as an indispensable partner. Working closely with me, she helped coordinate sponsorship outreach during the most critical stretch of the crisis, transforming late pushes into meaningful progress.

Elaine Lyda, our remarkable RPR media coordinator, did yeoman’s work by lining up nearly every available media outlet in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa—and even reaching into North Alabama—including a prime segment on Fox 6’s Good Day Alabama, one of the state’s largest and most influential morning television shows. Her tireless efforts amplified our message statewide.

Their behind-the-scenes faithfulness reflected quiet strength under pressure.

Breakthroughs at the Edge—and the Final Personal Trial

Even days before the gala, challenges continued.

On February 18, American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO) declined sponsorship because the request arrived too late for their corporate cycle—a direct consequence of the delayed honoree confirmation.

Yet that same morning, at 10:49 AM, something remarkable happened.

An organization that had been pursued for years—without ever responding—called proactively, asking for more information about the event.

The timing felt unmistakably providential.

Then, only eight days before the gala, with just five business days remaining, something extraordinary began to unfold.

Ardita joined me on the phones, tag-teaming sponsor calls and pursuing every opportunity. Through perseverance—and grace—new sponsors began stepping forward.

Momentum continued to build.

A Good Day Alabama promotional segment with Jeh Jeh Pruitt was finalized, creating last-minute buzz.

Former honoree Rear Admiral W. Kent Davis reaffirmed his support.

Guests including Chris Gray, Chris Mohr, Al Story and SSgt Alan Cook prepared to inspire attendees.

Even the hospitality came together when the wine sponsor committed nine cases of wine—one for each table.

Meanwhile, Brian Cunningham’s leadership, even while battling illness, helped guide the final preparations.

Then came another extraordinary development.

The Jefferson County Commission approved a $30,000 grant for Shelters for Heroes, initiated by Commissioner Jimmie Stephens, with support from Commissioners Sheila Tyson and Mike Bolin.

After months of closed doors, setbacks, and uncertainty, this major investment arrived just days before the event—strengthening temporary shelter services and helping bridge toward long-term housing solutions.

The Week of the Gala: A Stunning Turn—and One More Crisis Averted

During the final week before the gala, something remarkable happened.

In just three days, we secured $50,000 in sponsorships.

The personal trial escalated dramatically the Monday before the gala (February 23, 2026), when the main waterline outside my house broke due to invasive roots from a 70-year-old pecan tree in the front yard. It was caught before any flooding could occur, but the water had to be completely shut off to the house, leaving my son Miller and me without running water for a full week—adding immense stress to an already unbelievable, high-pressure situation amid final preparations.

Yet, in the last hour of the last minute—on the day before the event (Thursday, February 26)—Miller Nathan and Chris stepped in heroically and were able to get the water back on, averting yet another crisis and allowing me to focus fully on the gala ahead. This eleventh-hour resolution felt like another clear sign of God’s provision.

By the time the event arrived, we closed with:

• 37 sponsors total — the second-highest number in the history of the gala • 20 Bronze-level sponsors alone

What had seemed nearly impossible only days earlier had turned into a powerful wave of support.

And the Gala Succeeded

On February 27, 2026, the 7th Annual One Yard at a Time Gala came to life.

The room filled with supporters, veterans, athletes, coaches, and community leaders united by one purpose: serving those who served us.

Stories were shared. Veterans were honored. Lives were impacted.

The live auction alone raised $106,000 that night (not including silent auction items or sponsorships), contributing to an extraordinary outcome.

And what once seemed uncertain became a night of celebration, gratitude, and renewed mission.

Looking back, the outcome felt nothing short of a miracle—one that unfolded step by step in front of everyone involved.

Faith’s Anchor: The God of the Eleventh Hour

This year tested my endurance like never before.

Yet Scripture promises renewal for those who wait upon the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31

“They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Psalm 46:1

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

The success of the 2026 gala stands as a testimony to that truth.

As Habakkuk 3:17–19 declares:

“Though the fig tree does not bud… yet I will rejoice in the Lord… The Sovereign Lord is my strength.”

And as Job 1:21 reminds us:

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

A Word That Still Echoes

Brother Phil Murphy, my A-Club brother from the Bryant era, once wrote words that have never left my ears or my heart since he first sent them in 2013:

“Remember, God had a plan long before we reached these roadblocks. His plan will be provided for abundantly, and it will always be miraculous—and it will most often be at the last minute. The last minute is when God shines brightest! Why? Because there are some things ‘we’ can do! Even puny us can do good things, but only God can do miracles!! So get ready to give in so He can move on! Praise Him for ‘His’ sake! His name is I AM, and I AM becomes I WILL—like paint becomes a painting! Watch Him and bow humbly before Him. I have been watching Him for a long time now work His miracles through the little Thomas the Tank Engine known as the Lettermen of the USA. Thanks for joining up for the ‘I can’t’ team so I CAN and I AM can become I WILL! Love ya, my Bama Brother.”

The Story Continues

The 2026 One Yard at a Time Gala stands as a powerful reminder that perseverance, faith, and community can overcome even the most difficult obstacles—including a week without water in the midst of chaos.

My dedication, the team’s perseverance—especially Major Ogilvie’s tireless, unyielding pursuit of sponsors that carried us through the darkest stretches, Richard Shea’s steadfast leadership and pivotal role as Title Sponsor through Morris-Shea Bridge Company, Inc., Ardita’s extraordinary last-minute push, Elaine Lyda’s media mastery, Miller Nathan and Chris’s timely rescue of the water situation, Brian’s leadership through illness, and the steadfast commitment of so many supporters—all point to a greater Hand at work.

What once looked impossible became reality.

And once again, the lesson proved true:

God is never late.

For more on LotUSA’s mission, visit lotusa.org.

A timeless moment of honor and pride at the 7th Annual One Yard at a Time Gala: the Shades Valley High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard stands resolute, presenting the Colors with unmatched precision and respect—called in by Major General Roger A. Presley, Jr., Commander of the Alabama National Guard.

These exceptional young men and women have become a cherished tradition for Lettermen of the USA, having served as our Color Guard more times than any other unit in the history of the One Yard at a Time Gala. Their discipline, poise, and deep sense of duty elevate every ceremony they grace.

Under the General’s command and in front of a room full of veterans, athletes, coaches, and supporters, they reminded us all why we gather: to salute service, sacrifice, and the next generation carrying the torch forward.

Thank you, Shades Valley JROTC—your yeoman’s work continues to inspire us, one presentation at a time.

#OneYardAtATime #LettermenOfTheUSA #SupportOurVeterans #ShadesValleyJROTC #AlabamaNationalGuard #PresentingTheColors #ProudTradition #ThankYouForYourService”

In a powerful moment at the 7th Annual One Yard at a Time Gala, the Shades Valley High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard presented the Colors with flawless precision, discipline, and pride—called in by none other than Major General Roger A. Presley, Jr., Commander of the Alabama National Guard.

These outstanding young patriots did yeoman’s work that night, standing tall to honor our veterans, our flag, and the sacrifices that define freedom. Every year we rotate to feature a new high school ROTC program (with occasional active-duty units), and the Shades Valley team elevated the ceremony to something truly unforgettable under the General’s command.

Thank you to Major General Presley for his leadership and presence, and to these remarkable cadets for their service and commitment. Moments like this remind us why we gather—one yard at a time.

#OneYardAtATime #LettermenOfTheUSA #SupportOurVeterans #ShadesValleyJROTC #AlabamaNationalGuard #PresentingTheColors #ProudToServe”