AGCRA Gold Vault Chapter’s Day at the Derby Celebrating Veterans and their Families

On November 9, 2025, the AGCRA Gold Vault Chapter hosted over 200 active-duty Service members, Veterans, and their Families for a memorable Veterans Day at the Races at the historic Churchill Downs. Team Wilhelm (Captains Abigail and Zach Wilhelm) led the effort for planning & setting up the event as well as CPT Abigail serving as the Mistress of Ceremonies!

Attendees enjoyed a fun-filled day of fellowship, fashion, and racing excitement. Guests showed off their Derby best, shared in a delicious buffet lunch, and listened to inspiring remarks from the AGCRA National Executive Council President Dr. Mark Clark, who served as the event’s guest speaker.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees tried their luck on ten exciting horse races and had the opportunity to bid on several Silent Auction items, with lucky winners taking home a variety of great prizes.

The Gold Vault Chapter also took time to recognize excellence within the Regiment, presenting 15 Regimental Awards to deserving recipients and welcoming 16 new Lifetime Members, each honored with a certificate and commemorative lapel pin.

A highlight of this year’s celebration was the Chapter’s sponsorship of its very own horse race appropriately named “The Gold Vault Chapter – AGCRA – Shields Up! Go Army!”.  Select Chapter Members joined the Winners Circle for the trophy presentation alongside the winning jockey and horse—an unforgettable moment for everyone in attendance.

Events like this exemplify the Gold Vault Chapter’s ongoing commitment to honoring our Soldiers, veterans, and their families while strengthening the bonds of camaraderie within the AGCRA community.