Visalia Nonprofit to Host Event Showcasing Mission To Honor Military Personnel

Business Name: The Brave Project Visalia 
Name & Title: Dustin Cole, Executive Director

VISALIA – The Brave Project Visalia, in partnership with Leadership Visalia, will host a special Celebration Event on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. to recognize its grassroots effort and mission to honor local military personnel with banners in the City of Visalia. This free family-friendly event will take place at the Bello Vita Venue Parking Lot and will showcase the organization’s legacy- all started by Visalia resident, Gary Cole, in 2012.

Inspired by a similar project done in Southern California, Gary made it his mission to bring back the idea to the Central Valley and honor active service members and veterans of Visalia. After Gary’s passing, his son, Dustin Cole, became The Brave Project’s Executive Director and has continued his father’s legacy.

“I’m so grateful and privileged to have helped my father start this organization and to have continued in his footsteps. We enjoy our freedom, because of the brave men and women who choose to serve in the military. It’s beautiful to see the support from Visalians. This city truly appreciates their military personnel,” said Dustin Cole, The Brave Project Visalia’s Executive Director. Today, more than 500 banners hang in the City of Visalia. Dustin is a one-man show running the organization, and is appreciative of the donors, volunteers, and service members’ families who have shown great support in purchasing banners for their loved ones. “I’ve seen the work that goes on behind the scenes, firsthand. Dustin truly is like a one-man show, and that’s why it’s really important for the community to come together to support him and ensure The Brave Project Visalia is sustainable for generations to come,” said Aurelia Rocha, Visalia mother who purchased banners for her two service members.The Celebration Event will honor local active members and veterans, as well as their families.Donors will also receive recognition for their ongoing support to fund banners for service membersin Visalia. Local dignitaries will also be in attendance.

For more information or to get involved, visit our website at www.thebraveprojectVisalia.org, or send

us an email at thebraveprojectVisalia@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram:

@TheBraveProjectVisalia.