2026 SMDRA Veterans Day Breakfast - Honoring Veterans Past, Present and Future

LOCATION: SMDRA Event Center
DATE: Friday, November 13, 2026
TIME: Registration & Networking: 9:00am to 9:30m
Breakfast & Program: 9:30am to 10:30am
TOPIC: Veterans Day Breakfast
SPEAKERS: Chris Maes, Douglas County Veterans Services and Mike McNairy, Chair of Heroes Hall Foundation
COST: Free for SMDRA Members

CLICK HERE to download the Veterans Day Event Flyer

Join us as we honor those who answered the call to serve. Our Veterans Day Breakfast is an opportunity to recognize the courage and sacrifices of our veterans while learning how our community can continue supporting them long after their military service ends. Hear from the Heroes Hall Foundation about their vision for a dedicated home that brings vital veteran services, resources and support together in one place. Together, we’ll honor the past, support the present and help build a stronger future for our veterans.

EVENT AGENDA:
9:00–9:20: Breakfast and networking.
9:20–9:25: Welcome, veteran recognition, and speaker introductions
9:25–9:45: Mike McNairy — Honoring Veterans: Past, Present & Future. Honoring veterans’ sacrifices and sharing Heroes Hall Foundation’s vision for a dedicated building bringing services and support together. Includes the video Help Us Build a Home for All Our Heroes.
9:45–10:05: Chris Maes — Connecting Veterans with VSO Services, pending confirmation. An overview of county VSO services, Douglas County’s work, and how professionals can guide veterans toward benefits assistance, including disability claims and potential VA funding fee exemptions.
10:05–10:10: Video — Heroes Hall: A Place of Hope and Healing.
10:10–10:20: Questions and discussion.
10:20–10:30: Closing remarks and networking

SPEAKERS BIO: Chris Maes – Chris Maes proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1985 to 2005, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. Following his military career, Chris served as Regional Human Resources Director for Cintas Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, before retiring for a second time. His commitment to serving veterans and their families continued through volunteer work assisting Douglas County veterans with VA benefits. Chris is the Director of Douglas County Veteran Services, where he continued his mission of supporting veterans and their families and helping them access the benefits and resources they had earned through their service.

Mike McNairy – Mike is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who served 21 years in the Space and Missile career field. Service to his country and a commitment to improving his community are what drives him.

After the military, Mike became an entrepreneur and have owned three businesses. Today he operates a franchise specializing in the interior repair and restoration of leather, vinyl, fabric, and plastic for automotive, commercial, and residential customers.

Mike is a founding member and Board Chair of the Heroes Hall Foundation and have served in leadership roles with The American Legion, the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, and the Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation.

He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Liberty University. When he finishes, Mike plans to start a coaching and consulting business to help other leaders “sharpen their edge and lead with purpose.”

Mike lives in Sedalia, Colorado, with my wife, Lynette. His time off is spent with his two adult children and three grandchildren.

QUESTIONS: Susan Cooper – 303-895-3370 or susan@smdra.com