A Fruitport veteran is using cutting-edge technology to honor fellow service members and bridge the gap between veterans and their communities.
On Friday, June 20, Jamal Steward, founder of the nonprofit
CC Entertainment, will attempt a world record by synchronizing more than 500 drones over Muskegon Lake in a light show that also will employ 200 electric vehicles. The event, part of the second annual Celebration of Service, is designed to spotlight veteran resources through family-friendly entertainment that reaches beyond traditional audiences.
“It is quite the adventure, but the benefits will definitely be worth it,” Steward says.
The spectacle isn’t just about dazzling lights. Steward, a Marine Corps veteran and aerospace professional, says it’s a strategy to draw in families, neighbors, and supporters of veterans, especially those who may not otherwise attend resource fairs or “stand downs.” He believes by involving the broader public, more veterans will connect to the services they need.
“There’s a lot of misinformation about what benefits are available,” Steward says. “This event is about creating a platform where veterans don’t have to feel isolated. It’s about equipping the people in their orbit, family, neighbors, friends, with the information to help connect them.”
Opens with networking event
The Friday night event, which Steward is producing in partnership with the
Tesla Owners Club of Michigan and
Northern Lights Drone Company of Wisconsin, will begin with peer-to-peer veteran networking and conclude with the drone/EV light show at dusk.
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The Tesla Owners Club of Michigan and Northern Lights Drone Company of Wisconsin will collaborate to create a light show.
The following night, Saturday, June 21, will feature a second drone display presented by national nonprofit Children of Fallen Heroes. This patriotic light show will again use 500 drones – minus the EVs – to honor all five military branches and is expected to be the largest display of its kind on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Both events take place at
Heritage Landing in Muskegon. Tickets are available online at
cc-entertainment.org, with $5 general admission and free entry for veterans, active-duty service members, and students in grades K-12. VIP options are also available.
Steward’s nonprofit, launched three years ago, was born from his own post-service challenges. Despite serving from 1992 to 1996 as an electronics technician working on helicopters and jets like the AV-8 Harrier and V-22 Osprey, Steward says his military experience alone wasn’t enough to transition directly into engineering roles in the civilian workforce.
“I had to go back to school, get certified, and climb from technician to engineer to program manager,” he says. “It was hard-earned, and I want other veterans to have clearer paths.”
Making connections
Through Celebration of Service, the nonprofit helped connect four veterans to the Wounded Warrior Project last year. This year, Steward hopes to connect at least 10 more.
The effort is also personal. Steward lost two close veteran friends to suicide, a tragedy he says was preventable.
“The resources are out there,” he says. “We just have to break through that communication barrier. This event is one way to do that with light, energy, and community.”
Steward sees Celebration of Service as a West Michigan initiative, not just a Muskegon event.
“We welcome everyone, Grand Rapids, Ottawa County, the Tri-Cities. Come out and show your love for veterans,” Steward says. “This is about healing, celebrating, and building something bigger together.”
Photos courtesy of Jamal Steward.
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