Celebrate Veteran’s Day a little early this year by heading to the Mineral Point Opera House this Sunday, October 12, 2014 for a Fashion Salute.

Local veteran Leah Crubel of Leah Crubel Photography, LLC is hosting the event to benefit Heroes Hunting, a Veteran-owned and operated non-profit organization whose mission is to coordinate and provide funding for veterans (who have been deployed) to go on hunting trips.

Leah herself served in the Army Reserves for nine years with the 389th Engineer Battalion in Dubuque, IA.  She served in a variety of places including a deployment to Baghdad, Iraq 2003-2004. In 2002 she began as a heavy construction equipment operator and convoy driver and ended her contract in 2011 as a CBRN Staff Sergeant (SSG).

Leah spoke of her connection to Heroes Hunting saying, “Knowing how hard it is to come back from a deployment and jump back into college and civilian life, I think it is important for soldiers to have an outlet, especially with their fellow Veterans. Heroes Hunting Foundation sets a great example of that.”

Sunday’s event kicks off with the big band sound of the Larry Busch band.  (Click here to take a listen.)  The band will play on as the military themed fashion show takes place.  Over two dozen models will strut across the stage showcasing creative-camo gowns and pin-up girl glamour from designers Sophia Luchiani, Daisy Lopez and Nicholas Owen.

Tickets are $15 in advance at Berget’s Jewelry or $20 at the door.  Admission includes a raffle ticket for a chance to win a host of prizes from area businesses.

If you are unable to attend and would like to support this cause, contact Leah Crubel at FashionSalute101214@gmail.com or 715-827-0004.

– Contributed by the Hays