An expanded MCON conference highlights Be the One
The second annual MCON conference will take place in Las Vegas at the end of October. As a founding sponsor, The American Legion has a special 100% off discount for members.
The mission of MCON is to create community, facilitate connection and improve the well-being of those who served and their families.
MCON will be held Oct. 24-27 at The Expo at World Market Center, 435 S. Grand Central Parkway in Las Vegas. The schedule is being updated regularly at this link. The event will also be livestreamed. Use code LegionMCON to register here for free.
A daylong Military Impact Summit will take place on Friday, Oct. 25. Separate registration is required (click here to do so). Among the highlights will be a presentation by American Legion Chief Marketing Officer Dean Kessel on Be the One, the organization’s primary mission to reduce the number of suicides among veterans and servicemembers. Topics of other presentations during the summit include career transitioning, veteran entrepreneurship, corporate branding and more.
Over the weekend, the conference will feature various speakers, panel discussions and activities for military families. Among the speakers scheduled to appear:
• Rudy Reyes, a conservationist, writer, actor, motivational speaker and former Force Reconnaissance Marine. He is best known for portraying himself in the HBO miniseries “Generation Kill.”
• Connor Matthews, also known as "The Controller," embodies the American hustle. His transition from six years as a distinguished Air Force combat controller to a formidable UFC fighter showcases his resilience, persistence and heart.
• Marcus and Amber Capone. Marcus, a retired Navy SEAL, is the co-founder and CEO of TARA Mind, a public benefit corporation whose mission is to expand safe and equitable access to psychedelic-assisted therapy for anyone struggling with a mental health condition. Amber, his wife, is the co-founder and executive director of VETS Inc., a pioneering 501(c)(3) organization providing resources, research, and advocacy for U.S. Special Operations veterans seeking psychedelic assisted therapies abroad.
• Ramón Colón-López, who served in the Air Force for 33 years. In December 2019, he became the fourth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the most senior enlisted servicemember in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Tish Stropes, an Air Force spouse, is the vice president of Strategic Initiatives for Fisher House Foundation. The foundation oversees a network of comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay at no cost while a loved one receives medical treatment. Tish is responsible for Fisher House’s involvement with Warrior Games and Invictus Games.
• Former Army Ranger Dave Reid, a symbol of resilience, leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence. As the Vice President for the Robert Irvine Foundation, he channels his extensive military experience into aiding veterans and first responders, serving as an influential advocate and key connector to the community he holds dear.