NJVSA Honors Circus Vasquez with Talon of Freedom Award for $100,000 Ticket Donation Bringing Joy to More Than 1200 Veterans and Their Families
Industry: Non Profit & Charity
Event comes at a critical time as military families face new stresses amid overseas conflict
North Bergen, NJ (PRUnderground) March 21st, 2026
The New Jersey Veteran Support Alliance (NJVSA) presented Circus Vasquez with its prestigious Talon of Freedom Award tonight in recognition of the circus’s extraordinary donation of more than $100,000 worth of tickets. The gift allowed over 1200 veterans and their family members to enjoy an evening of wonder and connection, moments that NJVSA leaders say are essential to healing and mental wellness.
The presentation took place during a special performance attended by veterans from across New Jersey. NJVSA President Eric Crafton, a former Army National Guardsman with 18 years of service, presented the award on behalf of the organization. The Talon of Freedom Award is reserved for partners whose generosity directly transforms the lives of veterans and their families.
“What Circus Vasquez has done is nothing short of heroic,” Crafton said from the event floor. “They didn’t just give tickets. They gave families a night where a child can look at their mom or dad and say, ‘Wow, because of their service, we get to experience this.’ That moment of pride, that moment of joy, it rebuilds connections that service can sometimes strain.”
The event arrives at a poignant time. With the United States now engaged in conflict with Iran, many veterans and active duty families are navigating heightened anxiety, memories of past deployments, and concern for brothers and sisters in uniform. NJVSA emphasizes that protecting veteran mental health requires not only crisis services but also intentional moments of joy and community.
“When a family laughs together under the big top, when a veteran who has been feeling isolated realizes they are surrounded by people who understand them, that is mental health care,” Crafton added. “It reminds them they are not alone. Right now, with everything happening overseas, those reminders matter more than ever.”
Circus Vasquez’s donation aligns with NJVSA’s broader mission to provide what Crafton calls “more than survival.” While the organization is known for rapid response services such as securing emergency housing, navigating VA claims, and providing critical medical care, its free events serve a deeper purpose. They help veterans and their families reconnect after deployment, offering experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.
“Those moments are everything,” Crafton said, reflecting on past NJVSA events including Broadway shows, water park days, and family outings at American Dream Mall. “We handle the urgent needs, absolutely. But we also build the connections that make life worth living again.”
Over the past year, NJVSA has delivered more than $550,000 in free events and experiences for veterans and their families, serving more than 4,000 individuals. The organization has also helped 51 veterans find stable housing and facilitated 450 critical medical appointments.
For Circus Vasquez, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to community. Representatives from the circus accepted the Freedom Award with gratitude, noting that veterans have always held a special place in their audiences.
Crafton closed the evening with a simple message to the veterans in attendance.
“You are heroes in the eyes of your families, and you are heroes to us. Tonight was about honoring you and thanking Circus Vasquez for honoring you alongside us.”
Circus Vasquez has performances scheduled throughout NJ over the coming weeks. To see their full tour dates, please visit circusvazquez.com
About New Jersey Veteran Support Alliance
The New Jersey Veteran Support Alliance is devoted to transforming the lives of struggling veterans and families by offering access to transitional housing, guiding them through the complexities of the US healthcare system, and creating enriching experiences that inspire hope and resilience.
We are dedicated to creating opportunities for veterans to connect, heal, and thrive, ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve. Through community engagement and comprehensive support services, we strive to empower veterans and help them build a stable and fulfilling civilian life.
