I’m Megan, the wife of a Veteran (former enlisted USMC, current Commander, USCG), who has experienced two deployments. I know firsthand how it feels to say goodbye, how equally hard the transition period is back home, and how delicate you must be as a mom when answering your kid’s question, “Is daddy safe?” And I’ve known this my whole life because I’m also the daughter of a Vietnam Vet (US Army/JAG).

Though my father, Anthony “Tony” McNulty, had long retired as a Captain when I was born, I grew up witnessing his visible and invisible wounds. He would almost always awaken (from a night’s sleep or a nap) with a loud, guttural gasp, and repeatedly refused to go to the Vietnam Wall. He never talked about his service in ‘Nam until 2019, when I worked to get him his VA disability benefits nearly 50 years later. As part of the process, my Dad had to share his story with a VA Officer, and I heard for the first time the specifics of how he defended our soldiers in the courtroom (JAG Officer, Army), traveling to and from crime scenes, often under fire, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star. I’ve learned more from two books written regarding his cases and service, but I wish I knew more. My father passed the day after St. Patrick’s Day in 2023 from causes related to his service in Vietnam. A year after his passing, I finally “brought him home” to the wall on Father’s Day 2024, through the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund’s In Memory ceremony. My mom said, “We finally got you here, Tony.”

St. Patrick’s Day was always a celebration on my McNulty side growing up, which I’ve kept up in my adult life with my own family and friends. Rather than retire the celebration, a year after my dad passed, I wanted to bring purpose to a holiday tradition I love so much, and mostly, to someone I love even more, with a St. Patrick’s Fundraiser for Veterans and First Responders. The Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) was the obvious recipient of my efforts. And thus “A Toast To Tony” was born, as a way to honor my Dad, share his story, and give others the opportunity to share the stories of their heroes (past and present), all while raising money to support the mission of our pal, Gary, and his Foundation.

Our 4th Annual "A Toast To Tony" is our same St. Pat's with a Purpose, at a new and exciting venue to ring in St. Patrick's Day 2027! Join us for the Presentation of Colors by the Marine Corps League, the National Anthem, the bagpipes and drums (featuring Irish dancing), live music performances, and a special tribute to our veterans/first responders, including real-life stories performed by our honored guests. Enjoy full service bar (specialty cocktails/mocktails), dinner stations, DJ/dancing, photo booth, kid entertainer, and live cover band at our private family friendly event! **Your ticket includes free entry to Canyon Club's 9 PM live music show (band TBA). One ticket, one great cause. Come for the green and give back to our veterans and first responders. Stay for the gold... aka, pipes, pints and a pumped-up pot-of-gold after-party!

Gary Sinise Foundation

At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we serve our nation’s defenders, to include our most severely wounded heroes, veterans of every conflict, first responders who run into danger within our communities, active duty service members, their families, and the families of our fallen heroes. We do this by supporting them in often their darkest times of need. Our unique programs are designed to help, entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities across the nation.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.