NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Rico Alvendia, the King of Washington Mardi Gras 2025, and the Legion of Mars Mardi Gras Krewe honored the brave veterans who served our country during the annual Legion of Mars Veterans Day Lunch Service at the VA Hospital in downtown New Orleans. At the event, the Krewe fed 400 veterans and hospital employees thanks to generous donations from local restaurants including Copper Vine, Walk-Ons, Hooters and more.
To bolster its services for veterans, the Krewe raised more than $13,000 at the Mars Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Mars Hero Fund earlier this month. The Mars Hero Fund champions initiatives that support first responders, veterans and active-duty service members.
Alvendia and the Legion of Mars Mardi Gras Krewe have helped thousands of first responders, military veterans and active-duty military members during times of hardship and supported their participation in the Legion of Mars parade through the Mars Hero Fund. Now, as Washington Mardi Gras King for 2025, Alvendia has named the Mars Hero Fund as the King’s Charity.
“As a veteran, having the opportunity to give back to other veterans is invaluable. I am deeply thankful to this community of men and women who have selflessly defended and safeguarded America. The Mars Hero Fund is a way for all of us locally to say thanks and celebrate veterans, active-duty military members and first responders across Louisiana,” said 2025 Washington Mardi Gras King and Legion of Mars Krewe Captain Rico Alvendia. “As we recognize Veterans Day, the Mars Hero Fund was top of mind as my charity of choice for the 2025 Washington Mardi Gras and I look forward to doing even more in the years to come to support our local heroes.”
During this year’s Veterans Day event, Legion of Mars Krewe members and extended community, including New Orleans City Council members JP Morrell, Lesli Harris and Eugene Green, enjoyed lunch together and gave thanks to veterans for their courageous service.
During the lunch, the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) hosted an exciting exhibition wheelchair basketball game featuring the New Orleans Saints Wheelchair Football Team versus the SLVHCS staff. The Legion of Mars members, hospital staff, and community members cheered on both teams in the exciting match. The game showcased athleticism and camaraderie while also bringing the community together for an afternoon of authentic fun and support for veterans.
In 2013, Rico Alvendia co-founded the Legion of Mars Mardi Gras Krewe and the Mars Hero Fund alongside a group of combat veterans aiming to celebrate both past and present military members and first responders in the distinctive spirit of New Orleans. This organization is the first Carnival Krewe in New Orleans specifically focused on honoring and supporting veterans, active duty servicemembers and first responders.
The Mars Hero Fund is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation that honors and supports United States veterans, active and reserve military, as well as first responders and their families.
