The Invicta Project

From Force Recon to MARSOC, to continuing a life of service beyond the uniform — Ron Holmes just completed his journey with The INVICTA Project

With over 20 years in the U.S. Marines, helping build the first Marine Special Operations Communications School, supporting JSOC, and later becoming a business owner, inventor, and mentor to the next generation — Ron’s story is nothing short of incredible. Add in beating cancer and continuing to lead with purpose, and it’s clear his mission has never slowed down.

That same mindset — to make a positive impact and leave people better than he found them — is exactly what he brought into this program and what he carries forward.

We’re honored to have been a small part of your journey, Ron. The mission continues.

We are honored to welcome Medal of Honor recipient Donald Ballard to the Invicta Gala in Dallas on April 18, 2026. Serving as a Navy Corpsman with the Marines in Quang Tri province, HC2c. Ballard was rushing back to his platoon when his company was ambushed. He raced across fire-swept terrain to reach a wounded Marine and organized four men to carry him to safety. When an enemy soldier threw a gr***de that landed beside the casualty, Ballard did not hesitate — he threw himself directly onto the gr***de to shield his comrades from the blast. When the gr***de failed to detonate, he calmly stood up and went right back to treating the wounded. His willingness to give his life to protect others, without a moment's hesitation, speaks to a depth of courage that words can barely capture.

Join us in honoring his legacy on April 18. invictaproject.org/gala

We are honored to welcome Medal of Honor recipient Sal Giunta to the Invicta Gala in Dallas on April 18, 2026. On October 25, 2007, in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan, SPC Giunta and his team were ambushed by a well-armed insurgent force. Under withering fire, he raced to his fallen squad leader, pulled him to cover, and administered medical aid — even as enemy rounds struck his own body armor and secondary weapon. When he learned another soldier was still separated from the unit, he advanced forward alone and crested a hill to discover two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged them, killing one and wounding the other, and recovered his fellow soldier. His courage, selflessness, and split-second decisions under fire are why everyone in that patrol came home.

Join us in honoring his legacy on April 18. invictaproject.org/gala

We are honored to welcome Medal of Honor recipient Bob Patterson to the Invicta Gala in Dallas on April 18, 2026. During an assault against a heavily fortified North Vietnamese Army position, SGT Patterson's squad was pinned down by devastating enemy fire from multiple bunkers. Moving forward under a hail of enemy fire, he single-handedly destroyed five enemy bunkers, killed eight enemy soldiers, and captured seven weapons — all while ignoring warnings from his own comrades that he was moving directly into a bunker complex. His fearless actions broke the enemy's defensive grip and inspired his entire platoon to push forward and achieve their objective. His dauntless courage in the face of overwhelming fire is a defining example of what it means to lead from the front.

Join us in honoring his legacy on April 18. invictaproject.org/gala

We are honored to announce that 8 Medal of Honor recipients will be joining us at the Invicta Gala in Dallas on Saturday, April 18, 2026, including Gary Littrell. Serving as a Light Weapons Infantry adviser in Vietnam, SFC Littrell sustained an entire battalion for four days under relentless enemy fire—directing air and artillery support, caring for the wounded, and leading with extraordinary courage after all other advisers were injured. His selfless actions saved countless lives and exemplify the very meaning of honor and sacrifice. Join us in recognizing his legacy at this unforgettable evening of hope, heroism, and healing—tickets, tables, and sponsorships are limited, so secure yours today.

We are thrilled to announce that 8 Medal of Honor Recipients will now be joining us for the Invicta Gala in Dallas on Saturday, April 18, 2026 — including Michael Thornton, whose extraordinary valor earned him the nation's highest honor after he returned through enemy fire to rescue his wounded senior officer, towing him through open water for two hours until they were safely extracted. His story of courage, sacrifice, and refusing to leave a man behind embodies everything this evening is about. Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are limited, so secure yours today and be part of this incredible evening of hope, heroism, and healing.