An Evening to Remember: PDS Optical Sponsors TAPS Gala
Strengthening the Bond Between Corporate Leadership and America’s Military Survivor Community
Introduction
The mission to empower America’s military survivors reached a new milestone at the TAPS Honor Guard Gala on the evening of March 17, 2026. The event served as a powerful opportunity for PDS Optical and TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) to build a meaningful partnership. This relationship was facilitated and championed by Evocati PR.
Pictured: The 2026 Gala Program book and St. Patrick’s Day themed cookies. (Source: Evocati PR)
Serving as a Freedom Sponsor for the evening, PDS Optical demonstrated its commitment to the military survivor community, ensuring that those who have sacrificed the most are never forgotten.
READ MORE: PDS Optical Proudly Sponsors TAPS 2026 Honor Guard Gala
A Vision for Service
The gala, held at the National Building Museum, brought together more than 500 supporters, including senior military leaders and administration officials. Sean Loosen, CEO of PDS Optical, joined Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of TAPS, to celebrate the success of their growing partnership.
Bonnie Carroll (left), President & Founder of TAPS, joins Sean Loosen (right), CEO at PDS Optical, during the 2026 TAPS Honor Guard Gala. (Source: Evocati PR)
This collaboration is a dedicated effort to ensure military families receive the recognition and support they deserve. By aligning PDS Optical’s leadership with the TAPS mission, Evocati PR has helped create a sustainable model for corporate social responsibility that delivers tangible value to the veteran community.
Impact Beyond the Ballroom
While the evening was filled with networking and St. Patrick’s Day-themed celebrations, the core focus remained on the surviving families, who lost a loved one due to military-connected service.
The star of the show, a sixth-grader named Cambridge, delivered a moving appeal that sparked a wave of spontaneous, high-level donations. His interaction with General Martin Dempsey highlighted the resilience of the TAPS community and the vital role of mentors in the healing process.
READ MORE: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Announces Highlights, Sponsors of the 2026 TAPS Honor Guard Gala
From left to right: Steve Sachs and Sean Loosen, representing PDS Optical, and Barrett Y. Bogue, President & Founder of Evocati PR at TAPS 2026 Honor Guard Gala. (Source: Evocati PR)
Evocati PR’s role in this success was paramount. From the initial matchmaking between the two organizations to the strategic execution at the Gala, the firm ensured that PDS Optical’s presence was felt and appreciated. As noted by attendees, the level of professionalism and strategic planning provided by EPR is what sets purpose-driven PR apart from traditional public relations.
The Road Ahead
The momentum from the Honor Guard Gala is already fueling future opportunities.
Both TAPS and PDS Optical are eager to expand their collaboration, exploring new ways to serve the military survivor community. This engagement reinforces Evocati PR’s commitment to driving long-term success for its clients and the underserved communities they serve.
Next week, Sean Loosen, PDS Optical's CEO, and surviving spouse Jazmin Ojeda Haggerty will appear on WHAS 11, a local Louisville talk show, to discuss the power of their partnership and how, together, they work to support the military-connected community.
At Evocati PR, we believe that when leadership and mission align, the impact is limitless. We remain dedicated to fostering these essential connections for the benefit of America’s military and veteran families. If your organization is seeking the same, set up a free discovery call today.
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