The Smoke Pit: Northern Virginia Showed Up Strong
The Smoke Pit returned to Lost Rhino Brewing Company and the response was overwhelming. What started as a simple idea to bring veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and the Northern Virginia community together has now become a movement. Loudoun County spoke loud and clear. This matters. This is needed. And because of that, we will be hosting three more Smoke Pit events at Lost Rhino by community demand.
A Day Built on Stories, Brotherhood, Family, and Community
More than two hundred guests came through the venue throughout the day. Veterans from every branch. Military families. Law enforcement. First responders. Afghan allies. Business leaders. Supporters from across Loudoun County and the DMV. Everyone came to the same table for one purpose: connection.
We sold over seventy five tickets, filled the brewery with energy and purpose, and raised one thousand dollars for Vigilant Torch to support special operations and intelligence community families.
This was not entertainment. It was healing, storytelling, community building, and a reminder that the tribe still exists.
Guest Speakers Who Delivered Power, Grit, and Honesty
Our lineup brought depth, courage, and authenticity that hit the room hard in the best possible way:
Lieutenant Randall Stackpole
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
Shared lessons on leadership, community responsibility, and the daily realities of service.
Asem and Nasrat
Afghan United Front
Delivered a powerful message of loyalty, loss, and unity between Afghan partners and US service members.
Rachel Cuda
Former CIA Operations Officer and Navy SEAL spouse
Spoke with clarity and honesty about resilience, sacrifice, and love in the shadows of service.
Dylan Ignacia
Founder of The Lift to Live Society. Active duty law enforcement, wellness coordinator, special operations team member.
Connected physical fitness, mental readiness, and the quiet battles many first responders and veterans fight alone.
Chris Harrison
Stand up comedian
Closed the evening with humor and grit, giving the crowd a chance to laugh together like only the military community can.
Vendors, Partners, and Organizations That Showed Up
This event would not have been the same without the incredible lineup of veteran owned businesses, wellness groups, nonprofits, and community partners who filled the venue and engaged with hundreds of guests throughout the day.
Support their work. Share their mission. Follow their pages. These organizations keep the community alive:
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
https://sheriff.loudoun.gov
Afghan United Front
https://afghanunitedfront.org
Lift to Live Foundation
https://www.thelifttolivesociety.com
Veterans Growing America
https://veteransgrowingamerica.com
Business Leaders Network
https://blncommunity.com
Vigilant Torch
https://vigilant-torch.org
Lost Rhino Brewing Company
https://lostrhino.com
These partners reported high engagement, strong foot traffic, and meaningful conversations throughout the entire event.
Community Impact That Goes Beyond One Day
The Smoke Pit has quickly become one of Northern Virginia’s most important community events for veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and their families. The impact was clear:
Total Attendance: More than 200
Tickets Sold: Over 75
Funds Raised: 1,000 dollars donated to Vigilant Torch
Vendor Engagement: Reported extremely high
Community Response: Overwhelming demand for more events
Guests reconnected with old teammates. Families made new friends. Afghan allies found support. Veterans shared stories they haven’t spoken out loud in years. Law enforcement and community members stood shoulder to shoulder. This is what the Smoke Pit is built for.
Three More Events Confirmed at Lost Rhino
Because of the turnout, the energy, and the overwhelming feedback, Veteran Command will host three more Smoke Pit events at Lost Rhino Brewing Company.
Each event will continue the mission:
Community. Storytelling. Connection. Healing. Brotherhood. Family. And impact.
Dates will be announced soon. Vendors, sponsors, organizations, and volunteers are encouraged to reach out now to reserve involvement.
Thank You, Loudoun County
To every person who showed up, shared a story, supported a vendor, donated, volunteered, or simply stood in the room to be part of something bigger than themselves, thank you.
To Lost Rhino Brewing Company for believing in this vision.
To Vigilant Torch for supporting the families of special operations.
To the Afghan United Front for standing with us in solidarity.
To the speakers who shared truth with courage.
To the vendors who helped create a full community experience.
This is only the beginning.
If your organization wants to get involved or if you want to become a sponsor for the next Smoke Pit, contact us at info@dtsmap.com.
Veteran Command is proud to keep building community, honoring service, and strengthening the ties that make Northern Virginia a powerful place to live and serve.