No Sh*t, There I Was... (EVENT)

May 23, 2025

**No Sh*t, There I Was...**

A Veteran Storytelling Night Like No Other

Flag Day is more than just stars and stripes. It is about the people who wore the uniform, the stories they carry, and the bonds that never break. On Saturday, June 21, Veteran Command is proud to host an unforgettable experience at Lost Rhino Brewing Company in Ashburn, Virginia — a community gathering built on truth, laughter, and legacy.

This event is called “No Sh*t, There I Was” — a veteran storytelling night and open mic created to give voice to the moments that shaped us, the memories that stay with us, and the connections that remind us we are never alone.

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What to Expect

From 3 PM to 8 PM, the event will feature an open mic for veterans, spouses, and Gold Star family members to share their stories in a raw and unfiltered way. This is not a keynote. This is not a TED Talk. This is your battle buddy, your squadmate, your brother or sister in arms standing up and saying what most people never hear.

Starting at 3 PM, the space opens with a veteran owned vendor market that includes handcrafted goods, apparel, gear, and family friendly activities like face painting, a fire truck, and more. It is the perfect mix of community and fun before the storytelling begins.

At 5 PM, the mic opens and the stories begin. This portion is adult oriented and may include language and topics related to trauma, combat, or real life military experiences. Families are welcome earlier in the day, but we strongly advise parental discretion after 5 PM.

Meet Our Guest Speakers

To help kick off the night, we are honored to welcome several powerful voices:

Asem Shukoori — Former Afghanistan Special Forces, Chief of Staff at the Afghanistan United Front, CEO of Frontline WATCH LLC, and Regional Ambassador for Honor the Promise
James Blick, United States Air Force — Former Air Force Special Operations Intelligence Officer, graduate of the Air Force Weapons School, and current Senior Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense
Rachel Cuda — Former CIA Operations Officer, current Senior Advisor at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and both the daughter and spouse of Navy SEALs
Chris Harrison — United States Army veteran, stand up comedian, proud father, and George Mason University graduate
Donnell Johns — Army veteran and founder of Veterans Growing America, an organization that empowers veteran entrepreneurs across the country

These speakers will help set the tone for what promises to be an emotional and unforgettable night.

GET YOUR TICKETS!

Why This Matters

This event is more than a gathering. It is a platform for healing, a celebration of legacy, and a chance for veterans to come together in a space that feels like home. Whether sharing a story or listening from the crowd, everyone who attends will leave with something real.

A portion of all proceeds from this event will go to support the Vigilant Torch Foundation, which serves the United States Special Operations community and their families through programs in mentorship, wellness, and emergency support.

We will also raffle off a Premium DTS Map, valued at 400 dollars. This map is one of our most meaningful creations and has become a favorite among veterans looking to visualize and honor their military journey.

Event Details

Event Name: No Sh*t, There I Was
Date: Saturday, June 14
Time: 3 PM to 8 PM
Location: Lost Rhino Brewing Company
Address: 21730 Red Rum Drive Suite 142, Ashburn VA 20147
Tickets: $20 general admission includes one beer ($12 for non-beer drinkers)
Vendor Booths: $200
Donations: $20 option for those who cannot attend but want to support the cause

This event is open to veterans, spouses, Gold Star families, first responders, civilians, and supporters of all kinds. Whether attending to tell your story or to listen and support others, we welcome you.