WASHINGTON (press release) – Washington Mardi Gras King Rico Alvendia and members of the King’s Royal Court brought a taste of Louisiana culture to the nation’s capital Jan. 21 as he visited military medical personnel and wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
As part of King Alvendia’s commitment to America’s service members, memorialized in this year’s Washington Mardi Gras theme “Duty, Honor, Louisiana” – a salute to America’s military, he and members of his court delivered custom King Rico challenge coins and Mardi Gras throws and spent time learning about the experiences and service of the men and women receiving treatment at the hospital.
“I am grateful for every opportunity to spend time with and hear the stories of fellow veterans,” said King Rico Alvendia in a release about the visit. “Today, we also met several active-duty service members who were recently wounded in deployments around the world, making it even more meaningful to share the spirit of Mardi Gras with them. This visit was devoted to celebrating their courage, spreading joy, and reminding them that all of us in Louisiana are thankful for their sacrifice. During New Orleans Mardi Gras we commemorate our heroes during the Legion of Mars Parade each year; being able to do the same this year at Washington Mardi Gras is something I will never forget.”
The 2025 King’s charity for the week of Washington Mardi Gras is the Mars Hero Fund, which benefits active duty, veteran military or first responders. In 2012, King Alvendia co-founded the Legion of Mars, which has helped thousands of military veterans and their families throughout Louisiana during financial hardships and while deployed in service to the country.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Alvendia served for 25 years as an officer in the U.S. Army JAG Corps and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service during combat operations in Iraq.
