No Sh*t There I was...
- UNDER 21 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN
A veteran storytelling night with open mic moments, standup comedy, and a pop-up market filled with amazing veteran-owned businesses.
Date and time
Location
Lost Rhino Brewing Company
21730 Red Rum Drive ##142 Ashburn, VA 20147Refund Policy
About this event
- Event lasts 5 hours
- UNDER 21 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN
- Free venue parking
Join Us for a Flag Day Celebration Like No Other
This is more than an event. This is a movement.
No Sh*t There I Was is a raw real and uplifting evening built around the voices of those who have worn the uniform. We are bringing together the veteran community and our supporters for a night of laughter storytelling entrepreneurship and family fun.
Come hear the moments that shaped our lives
Come share your own
Come be part of something real
Date and Time:
- 📅 Saturday, June 21, 2025
- 🕒 Vendor & Pop-Up Showcase: 3:00 PM
- 🕔 Storytelling & Open Mic: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Lost Rhino Brewing Company Ashburn, VA (Free onsite parking, indoor and outdoor space)
Event Description: Join us for a night of powerful stories, laughter, and community connection as veterans, active-duty service members, military families, and civilians come together to share and listen. 🎙️
Special Guest Speakers
Kickoff remarks and storytelling from:
- Asem Shukoori – Former Afghan Special Forces, Chief of Staff at Afghanistan United Front, CEO of Frontline WATCH LLC, Regional Ambassador for Honor the Promise
- James Blick, USAF – Air Force Special Operations Intelligence Officer, Weapons School (Top Gun) Graduate, Senior Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Rachel Cuda – Former CIA Operations Officer, Senior Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Navy SEAL spouse and daughter
- Chris Harrison – Army veteran, stand-up comedian, devoted father, and George Mason University graduate
- Donnell Johns – Army veteran and founder of Veterans Growing America, a champion of veteran entrepreneurship and community empowerment
What to Expect:
🎤 Veteran Storytelling Open Mic – Raw, hilarious, and heartfelt stories from those who’ve worn the uniform
🎭 Stand-up Comedy – A few laughs to lighten the soul
🚒 Fire Truck On-Site – A hit with the kids!
🎨 Face Painting & Games – Fun for the whole family
🛍️ Veteran-Owned Small Business Market – Featuring dozens of vendors offering:
• Handcrafted arts & crafts
• Fashion & apparel
• Jewelry, accessories, and perfumes
• Tactical gear & memorabilia
• And so much more
🍺 Craft Beer by Lost Rhino Brewing Co
Enjoy a cold drink from Lost Rhino Brewing Co. while shopping, connecting, and celebrating service and community.
🎁 Raffle Giveaway
Enter to win a Premium DTS Map
A $400 handcrafted veteran-designed tribute to your service journey
Why You Should Be There
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 are invited to join us. Every ticket supports the cause. Every voice helps build the future.
Ticket Options:
🎟️ General Admission
Includes event access and your first beer (Non-beer tickets available)
🛍️ Vendor Booth
Showcase your veteran-owned brand or nonprofit
🤝 Event Sponsor
Support the mission and gain visibility at the event and online
💸 Supporter Donation
Can’t make it but still want to help? Make a contribution and know you are helping veterans continue their mission beyond the uniform
💥 A portion of proceeds will benefit the Vigilant Torch, supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces and helping veterans continue their mission beyond the uniform.
Vigilant Torch: Founded in 2009, Vigilant Torch supports a unique subset of the Special Operations community and their families through holistic well-being initiatives. Our programs—ranging from mentorship and wellness programs to emergency relief and educational opportunities—are tailored to address the specific challenges of military life, transition to civilian life, and beyond. We provide personalized resources that empower and uplift, making us a trusted, essential resource for those we serve.
Website: https://vigilant-torch.org/
Family-Friendly | Indoor & Outdoor Venue | Free Parking | Rain or Shine
Come to share your story. Come to hear others. Or just come to drink a cold one in great company. You’ll be part of something real.
Parent Advisory:
While the vendor market and family activities are designed for all ages, please be advised that the open mic storytelling portion may include strong language, adult themes, and unscripted stories involving trauma or combat. These stories are real and heartfelt but may not be appropriate for children. Parental discretion is advised during the 5:00–8:00 PM storytelling segment.
Social Media & Contact
Follow us and support the mission:
🔗 Lost Rhino: @lostrhinobrew
🔗 Veteran Command: @dtsmap
🌐 Website: www.dtsmap.com
📘 Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bi6HBghqB/
Frequently asked questions
Open mic means anyone can step up and share a story. You don’t need to be a polished speaker. Whether it's funny, emotional, or just something real from your time in or around the military, this is a space where your story matters.
Nope. We’ll have a sign-up sheet at the event starting around 4:30 PM. Just put your name down and when your turn comes up, the mic is yours.
Absolutely. Most people come to listen, laugh, and connect. No pressure at all. Being part of the audience is just as important.
Yes. General admission is $20 and includes your first beer. Kids are welcome and children under 12 get in free. Just please note, some stories might be graphic, traumatic, vulgar, and inappropriate for children.
Yes. Vendor booths are $100 and include a table and two chairs. This is a great chance to share your products or services with a supportive crowd. Space is limited, so register early.
Sponsors who contribute $250 will be recognized during the event and in printed and digital materials. You can also include flyers or promo items for guests. Your support helps make the event happen and benefits a great cause.
Yes. The vendor market and outdoor activities are designed with families in mind. We’ll have face painting, games, a fire truck, and plenty of space for kids to play. Important Note for Families: Continued Below
The open mic storytelling portion may include vulgar language, traumatic experiences, graphic content, or adult humor. These stories are authentic and unscripted and may not be appropriate for children. We trust and respect parents to use their own judgment if staying for the staying for the stories
You can make a $20 donation directly on the ticket page. Your contribution helps us cover event costs and supports the Vigilant Torch Foundation, serving the Special Operations community.
The venue has indoor and outdoor space so the event will go on rain or shine.
Organized by
Veteran Command is a veteran owned business that creates meaningful products and events to honor military service. Our mission is to preserve legacy, build community, and support those who have served through storytelling and connection. Creator of the DTS Map, a personalized pushpin map designed for veterans to commemorate their deployments, travels, and service.