The Smoke Pit and Service Exchange

Join Us for a Veteran Event Like No Other

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.

Date & Time

📅 Saturday, November 15, 2025🕒 Vendor & Pop-Up Showcase: 3:00 PM🎤 Storytelling & Open Mic: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Lost Rhino Brewing Company – Ashburn, VA(Free onsite parking | Indoor & outdoor space | Rain or shine)

Speakers & Partners

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

What to Expect

🎙️ THE SMOKE PIT (6–9 PM)

• 🎤 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) (3–6 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.

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 belong here.

VENDOR & SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

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:

Community Impact

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

Family-Friendly | Indoor & Outdoor Venue | Free Parking | Rain or Shine

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.

Stay Connected

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