The Smoke Pit and Service Exchange

It all starts the same way…

“No sh*t, there I was…”

Welcome to The Smoke Pit — where veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and their families come together to share stories, laugh until it hurts, and reconnect with the camaraderie that never fades.

This is not a formal gala or a quiet networking night — it’s a living, breathing experience. A fusion of open-mic storytelling, stand-up comedy, live music, family fun, and a cold pint (or two).

Inside, The Smoke Pit is where the raw, hilarious, and heartfelt stories come alive. Outside, you’ll find The Service Exchange (SX) — a brand-new veteran and first responder marketplace featuring small businesses, entrepreneurs, and artisans who continue to serve the community long after the uniform.

It’s a full-day event that celebrates service, humor, resilience, and the shared mission that unites us all.

• 📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026
• 🕒 Vendor & Pop-Up Showcase: 3:00 PM
• 🎤 Storytelling & Open Mic: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• 📍 Lost Rhino Brewing Company – Ashburn, VA(Free onsite parking | Indoor & outdoor space | Rain or shine)

Featuring voices and support from:

• 💥 @liborisk — Adventure and purpose through travel and brotherhood.
• 💪 @lifttolivesociety — Law Enforcement mental health and wellness advocates.
• 🛍️ @veteransgrowingamerica — Veteran small business network and marketplace.
• 🌍 @afghanistanunitedfront & @the_lastcommander — Fighting for peace, justice, and freedom in Afghanistan.
• 🍻 Hosted by @lostrhinobrew — Loudoun County’s own veteran-friendly brewery.
• Leaders and operators from CIA, FBI, DIA
• Special Forces & Navy SEALs
• Afghanistan Commandos
• Local Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, and Fire Department Leaders

• 🎤 Veteran & First Responder Open Mic – Raw, hilarious, and heartfelt stories of service

• 🎭 Stand-up Comedy – Hosted by Army veteran and co-host Chris Harrison.
• Guest Speakers — From CIA, DIA, Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Afghan Commandos, and local law enforcement leaders.
• Live Music & Entertainment — Celebrate the night with great sound, energy, and laughs.

🛍️ THE SERVICE EXCHANGE (SX) (3–8 PM)
Where service meets small business.
Browse and support veteran, law enforcement, and first responder–owned brands, plus community vendors who back the mission. Featuring handcrafted goods, apparel, food, gear, gifts, and more.

• 🎁 Raffle Giveaway – Win a Premium DTS Map (a $400 handcrafted tribute to your service journey)

🍺 CRAFT BEER & COMMUNITY
Enjoy a full selection of beers from Lost Rhino Brewing Company, a veteran-friendly brewery and proud host of The Smoke Pit.

🎯 FAMILY FUN
Fire trucks, police vehicles, and kids’ activities make this event perfect for families. Raffles, games, and community booths throughout the day.

Because connection matters.Because your story matters.Because this community needs a space to laugh, cry, share, and heal.

Whether you are a veteran, a military spouse, a Gold Star family member, a first responder, or a civilian who supports the mission, you belong here.

Interested in being part of The Service Exchange (SX)?
We’re looking for veteran, law enforcement, first responder, and community-owned businesses that want to share their products and services while supporting the mission.

Vendor Options:

• 🪖 Early Bird Vendor Booth: $150 (Limited to 5 spots)
• 🎪 General Vendor Booth: $200 (Standard 10x10 space)
• 💼 Corporate Booth: $500 (For business visibility and on-site engagement)
• 🤝 Corporate Sponsor Booth: $1,000 — Sponsor 4 veteran-owned businesses to vend for free (Your sponsorship directly covers their booth fees)
• 🎙️ Vendor Mic Time: $50 (Get 2 minutes on the mic to introduce your brand to the crowd)

Attendee Tickets:

• 🍺 General Supporter (1 Beer Included): $20
• 🎟️ General Supporter (No Drinks): $15
• ❤️ Donations: Accepted and appreciated to help support veteran and first responder initiatives.

Vendor registration and details:

💥 A portion of proceeds will benefit , supporting U.S. Special Operations veterans and their families through mentorship, wellness, and emergency relief.

Come share your story. Come hear others. Or just come enjoy a cold beer in great company. Either way, you’ll be part of something real.

⚠️ Parent Advisory: While the vendor market and family activities are all-ages, the open mic storytelling may include strong language, adult themes, and unscripted stories involving trauma or combat. Parental discretion is advised during the 7–9 PM storytelling segment.

🔗 Lost Rhino Brewing: @lostrhinobrew🔗 Veteran Command: @dtsmap🌐 Website: www.dtsmap.com

Info: Step outside and explore our Service Exchange, a curated marketplace of veteran-owned and first responder-owned small businesses, nonprofits, and community partners.

From handcrafted goods and apparel to tactical gear, art, jewelry, and family-friendly services, the Vendor Village is where stories, entrepreneurship, and community meet. It’s more than shopping — it’s about discovering the creativity and resilience of those who continue to serve in new ways.

Enjoy food, shop local, meet business owners, and support veteran and first responder entrepreneurs who are building their next mission.

Info: When the clock hits 5, the mic goes live. This is the heartbeat of the night. Veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and family members step up to share real stories—funny, raw, and everything in between. No scripts. No pressure. Just a respectful room ready to listen.

What to expect

Short, punchy stories that hit hard and uplift

A supportive crowd that gets it

Space for first-time speakers and seasoned storytellers

How to jump in

Add your name to the list at the host table

Keep it to 3 to 5 minutes

Speak your truth and leave it all on the stage

Bring your voice. Bring your courage. This is where connection happens.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Veteran Command