American Veterans Assistance Group presents Veterans Appreciation Lunch.  Our purpose is to express thanks and appreciation to those who have served.  A lunch will be provided at no cost to Veterans.  Keynote Speaker:  Phil Downer a former machine gunner who served with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines in Vietnam Nam in 1967 and 1958.  He has spoken to 288,348 men and women of all branches of the US Military at 916 events.  He presents motivational messages on the value of military service in building character, integrity, teamwork, and core value leadership.  He also presents professional military training (PMEs), and speaks on post-traumatic stress, war trauma, and the military marriage and family.  Phil is also the author of From Hell To Eternity: Life After Trauma.  Phil’s story was also featured in the award winning Day of Discovery TV series The War Within.  Phil received a BA from Southern Methodist University in 1972, and a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in 1975.