Gold Star Wife Barbara Allen is hosting a patriotic event in the Nation’s Capital April 30-May 1, 2021.
The Great American Summit will be held at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott in Arlington VA. Allen, together with her partner Dave Brown, say they built this event to strengthen our country by offering resources and opportunities for patriotic Americans to strengthen themselves, their families, and their communities.
All event proceeds will be donated to organizations that support youth, as well as the military and first responder communities.
“This country is packed with amazing people who have supported my family and protect our communities. I am thrilled to pay that support forward now,” says Allen.
It’s been 15 years since Lt Louis Allen was killed in Iraq. Lou and the Commanding Officer, Captain Phillip Esposito, died from injuries sustained in an explosion on base. The Supply Sergeant was arrested and tried for the murders, but a military court-martial acquitted him in spite of a signed guilty plea. Allen and her late husband’s sister continue to advocate for the Purple Heart for Lt Allen.
Lt Allen’s widow is Gold Star Wife Barbara Allen.
Barbara spent years trying to rebuild her life after the compounded tragedy. She did her best to normalize life for herself and the four sons she was now raising alone but struggled with immense personal and professional challenges.
Were it not for the help of everyday Americans, and several charitable organizations like the Gary Sinise Foundation, Barbara is unsure where she would be today. For years, says Barbara, she was the recipient of grants from several organizations established to support families of the fallen.
Those grants served as bandaids, helping her close financial gaps and buy her more time to restart her professional career. They were an integral help in her ability to restart her career and rebuild her life. Barbara became a Veterans Services Officer, published two books, and co-founded the American Snippets Podcast. She is engaged to David Brown, who is also her partner at American Snippets.
American Snippets is the couple’s unique brand of patriotism infused into personal and professional achievement. Its primary platform is the American Snippets podcast, where Barbara has interviewed over 150 exceptional Americans with incredible stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Each guest displays a deep awareness of the opportunities in this country and a commitment to turning their stories of patriotism, courage, and resilience into lessons for others to do the same.
Barb and Dave hosted a small entrepreneurial and resilience event for other Gold Star women who lost a husband, son, or fiance in service, with the help of the Got Your Back Network. It was the type of event Barbara believes is critical to anyone struggling to rebuild after trauma or tragedy, and seeing the results of that event inspired Barbara to dream of a larger scale opportunity to impact more people. Ten Gold Star women will be attending this event free of charge. Sponsorship packages also offer opportunities to provide free event tickets to American heroes.
The Great American Summit is a full circle event for Barbara.
Some of the organizations, like the Gary Sinise Foundation, and The Got Your Back Network, directly supported her through difficult times. She is eager to repay the debt she feels she owes them.
Taya Kyle became a mentor and a good friend, and Barbara Allen is featured in her new book American Spirit. Founders or Board Members of F7, Play For Your Freedom, and the Young Marines have all offered Barbara encouragement and insight when she needed it, and the Nine Line Foundation helps veterans through difficult times, which Barbara is passionate about herself.
The Great American Summit has a powerful lineup which will be introduced by MC Taya Kyle. Keynote speaker Steve Sims is quoted as “The Real Life Wizard of Oz” by Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine. He is the best selling author of “BLUEFISHING – the art of making things happen”, a sought-after consultant and a speaker at a variety of networks, groups, and associations as well as the Pentagon and Harvard – twice!
Veteran Entrepreneurs Daniel Alaraik and Tyler Merrit, whose brands compete, may not drop their friendly rivalry but will use it to bring their own flair to teaching attendees how to design, build, and grow a business. Both companies are in-kind sponsors for the event.
Retired SWAT Officer and homicide detective Jason Shechterle was gravely injured in a vehicle explosion on duty and will bring his lessons of resilience.
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Marie Cosgrove is ready to share her extraordinary insight on overcoming incredible odds, creating and growing multi-million dollar companies, and the value of giving back.
Real Estate Investor Powerhouse Kent Clothier has his own story of rising from the ashes and will also offer opportunities to learn how to build a real estate investment career.
Military heroes and Veteran entrepreneurs bring patriotism, resilience, and leadership lessons, and performers Tom Varano, Dave Bray, and Matt Snook keep the inspiration and energy up.
The lineup for this event continues to grow, with new speakers are being announced each month.
Who is this event for?
The Great American Summit is for any patriotic American wants to pursue more out life, fulfill their potential, strengthen their purpose, and learn new strategies to turn their visions into reality.
It’s time to lead the exceptional life you are destined to have. The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential…these are the keys that will unlock the door to your American Dream. The Great American Summit is a tactical event that will propel you forward so you can pursue more out of life and live your American Dream.
Surround yourself with real people, doing real things, in real life, and learn real skills that you can take away and instantly plug into your life or business.
Come together with some of the country’s most patriotic leaders, entrepreneurs, and high achievers for a high intensity, electrifying value-driven live event.
Unleash Your Patriotism And Potential
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