News

Celebrate the Legacy of Veteran Fencers at the 2025 USA Fencing Veterans Dinner

by Bryan Wendell

Veteran fencers and those who love and support them are invited to the 2025 USA Fencing Veteran Awards Dinner, held during the January 2025 NAC in Kansas City.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Veteran fencers know how to create a bond that lasts beyond the strip. This January, we invite you to join that special community at the 2025 USA Fencing Veterans Dinner — a night to honor the resilience, skill and dedication of the incredible athletes who continue to inspire the fencing world from age 40 and well beyond.

Held in Kansas City’s beautiful Aztec Ballroom at the Hilton President on Jan. 4, 2025, this celebration promises to be a highlight of the year for our Veteran fencers and their supporters. The dinner is a popular and fun evening where fencers come together as a community, toast to future successes, and acknowledge the great achievements of those who keep the spirit of fencing alive.

This year’s dinner promises to be particularly special as we come off what we hope will be another successful appearance by Team USA at the Veteran World Championships, held this October in Dubai. Our Veteran fencers always give us something to cheer about, and this dinner will be the perfect venue to do just that. 

As always, the evening will feature the presentation of the coveted Vet Fencer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards by the USA Fencing Veterans Committee. These awards recognize those who have made outstanding contributions on and off the strip, not just for their fencing achievements but for their role in fostering the vibrant community of Vet fencers across the country. 

Last year, Fencer of the Year honors went to Inga Cho (V40), Julie Seal (V50), Mark Lundborg (V60), Jane Eyre (V70) and Costa Nichols (V80). Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Jan Patterson and Jennette Starks-Faulkner.

Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so don't delay in securing your spot. Whether you’re attending to celebrate your friends or to revel in the camaraderie of fellow Vet fencers, this dinner is not one to miss. And if you’re able, consider making a donation during the ticket purchase — every contribution helps fund the U.S. Fencing Foundation’s Veteran Fund, which supports programming and resources for our Veteran athletes.

Date and Time: Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, 7–10 p.m. CT

Location: Aztec Ballroom at Hilton President, 1329 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64105

Buy tickets and tables: Here