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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2026
Media Contact:
Laura Gottfried
Vice President, Late Knight Warriors (LKW)
Phone: 631-793-2320
Email: laura@lateknightwarriors.org
Late Knight Warriors hosts A Knight to Remember Gala benefiting Paws of War, the organization that helped veteran Kevin Grief and his service dog, Shea.
SMITHTOWN, N.Y. — October 2026 — For Marine Corps veteran Kevin Grief, the bond he shares with his service dog, Shea, has brought far more than companionship. It has helped him build lasting friendships, find community, and meet the woman who would become his wife. Now, the organization that helped make that possible is at the center of a mission close to his heart.
On Wednesday, November 11, Veterans Day, Late Knight Warriors will host its A Knight to Remember Gala Benefiting Paws of War from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Watermill Caterers in Smithtown. Paws of War trained Kevin Grief’s service dog, Shea, helping them build a partnership that has had a lasting impact on Kevin’s life. Now, through this gala, Late Knight Warriors hopes to give back to the organization that helped Kevin and Shea and help other veterans, first responders, and animals in need experience the life-changing impact of Paws of War’s work.
Tickets are $125 per person and include an open bar and buffet dinner. Guests will also enjoy DJ services donated by Salty Jim, a 360-degree photo station donated by Swan is Love, a Chinese auction, and a 50/50 raffle.
Veterans and active-duty military members can use promo code LKWVets26 to save $25 per ticket on up to two tickets. Proof of service is required at check-in.
Tickets are available at https://lateknightwarriors.org/lkw-gala/.
Kevin served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from 2008 to 2012 as an aviation ordnance technician, working on the weapon systems of F/A-18 fighter jets. Like many veterans transitioning to civilian life, he experienced the challenge of adjusting to a world that looked very different from the one he had known during his years of service.
In the military, Kevin was surrounded by people who shared similar experiences and understood the demands of military life. Returning home meant reconnecting with friends and family whose lives had continued to change while he was away, while navigating new routines and relationships.
For many veterans, the transition can be complicated by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), isolation, and difficulty reconnecting with civilian life. Access to support, understanding, and meaningful connections can make a significant difference.
When Kevin moved into his own apartment after returning home, he adopted Shea, a dog he had always wanted. He did not initially know what to expect from a service-dog program, but hoped the experience would help him feel more at ease.
Through Paws of War, Kevin and Shea participated in months of weekly group training alongside other veterans and their dogs. The sessions included commands, handling, obstacle work, and the development of trust between each veteran and their dog.
“I noticed Shea trusting me a lot more and we depended on each other!” Kevin recalled.
Shea’s impact extended well beyond what Kevin initially anticipated.
“Shea has helped me in more ways than I can even think of. Honestly, her helping me feel more comfortable talking with people and meet new people.”
Today, Shea is a constant companion in Kevin’s life. She has attended more than 120 New York Mets games and over 100 New York Islanders games with him. At Port Jefferson Bowl, where Kevin bowls in a league, Shea even has a banner displayed beside his perfect-game banner. Kevin also has custom jerseys bearing the name “Shea’s Dad.”
But some of the most meaningful changes cannot be measured in games attended or milestones celebrated. Kevin credits Shea with introducing him to many of the people closest to him today, including the friends who eventually sold him his home and became part of his wedding party.
Shea also played a role in another life-changing connection. Kevin met his now-wife through a chance encounter at the bowling alley when one of her friends recognized Shea and stopped to say hello. The couple is now expecting their first child in May 2027.
Through Shea, Kevin found more than a service dog. He found a connection that helped him build a community and a life he is grateful for today.
“I feel like Shea is part of the reason that I got to know the LKW group, and now I’m helping organize a gala for an organization that has changed my life,” Kevin said.
Kevin’s relationship with Paws of War has come full circle. Today, he serves as networking manager on the Late Knight Warriors leadership committee, helping the organization build relationships and bring people together in support of meaningful causes.
Late Knight Warriors is a community-driven nonprofit built around friendship, inclusion, and giving back. Its members organize events that bring people together while raising awareness and support for causes benefiting veterans, animals, families, and the broader community.
The decision to make Paws of War the beneficiary of this year’s gala was deeply personal. Late Knight Warriors members understand how much Shea means to Kevin and wanted to support an organization whose work has made a lasting difference in his life. The connection extends beyond Kevin, too: a retired police officer serving on the Late Knight Warriors board is currently having his own dog trained through Paws of War.
For Kevin, the opportunity to give back alongside a community that shares his commitment to helping others means more than he could accomplish alone.
“I am so thankful that we decided to donate to Paws of War because we’re doing something way bigger together than I could ever do on my own!”
He hopes the gala will not only generate meaningful financial support but also introduce more people to the missions of both organizations.
Paws of War works to improve the lives of veterans, first responders, and animals through programs that include service-dog training, veterinary care, and animal rescue.
Its initiatives include a mobile veterinary clinic that brings care to animals in need, the War Torn Pups and Cats program supporting animals affected by conflict, and temporary pet fostering for unhoused veterans. These efforts help address the needs of both people and animals who might otherwise struggle to access essential support.
For veterans, the right resources can help foster companionship, confidence, and connection. For animals, these programs can provide access to medical care, safety, and a chance at a better life.
The November 11 gala will help support Paws of War’s mission, allowing the organization to continue its work for the veterans, first responders and animals who depend on its services.
Kevin hopes the event will raise meaningful funds while introducing more people to the work of both organizations.
Kevin also hopes his experience encourages other veterans to explore available resources and seek support when they need it.
“Us as veterans sometimes have too much pride to admit or even realize that we need help,” he said. “But just know that before I finally asked for help I was the same way.”
He encourages veterans to reach out, ask questions, and explore available support rather than assuming they must manage everything on their own.
“Just don’t be too proud to ask for help however that may be.”
A Knight to Remember is designed to bring the community together for an enjoyable evening with a meaningful purpose. Guests can look forward to dinner, an open bar, music, a 360-degree photo experience, a Chinese auction featuring donated items, and a 50/50 raffle.
The gala is made possible through the generosity of local businesses and community supporters who have contributed sponsorships, donations, and services to help make the event a success.
Late Knight Warriors extends its gratitude to its sponsors:
DJ services donated by Salty Jim and the 360-degree photo station donated by Swan is Love will add to the evening’s festivities. Minuteman Press of East Northport has also generously donated printing services to help bring the event together.
Kevin Grief, who also owns The Rustic Workshop, is contributing to the evening in a personal way by providing custom-made favors for each guest. His contribution reflects the community spirit behind the gala and the shared commitment to making a difference for veterans, first responders, and animals in need.
Kevin’s invitation to prospective guests is simple:
“Do it. You won’t regret it. I can proudly say there has not been one LKW event that has not been completely awesome, filled with good people all working toward making a positive impact in our community.”
Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event through additional donations or sponsorships are encouraged to contact Late Knight Warriors.
Event: A Knight to Remember Gala Benefiting Paws of War
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 — Veterans Day
Time: 6:30–10:30 p.m.
Location: Watermill Caterers, Smithtown, New York
Tickets: $125 per person
Military discount: Use promo code LKWVets26 to save $25 per ticket on up to two tickets. Proof of service is required at check-in.
Included: Open bar and buffet dinner
Additional activities: DJ, 360-degree photo station, Chinese auction, and 50/50 raffle
Tickets and event information: https://lateknightwarriors.org/lkw-gala/
Kevin’s journey with Shea demonstrates how support can create a ripple effect far beyond its original purpose. What began with a veteran seeking help grew into lasting friendships, a family, and a commitment to helping others.
This Veterans Day, Late Knight Warriors invites the community to be part of that next chapter by attending A Knight to Remember and supporting the work of Paws of War.
Late Knight Warriors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together through friendship, community, and charitable giving. Guided by its motto, “Good Friends. Great Times. Meaningful Causes,” the organization supports initiatives benefiting veterans, animals, families, and other community causes through fundraising events and volunteer engagement.
Paws of War is a nonprofit organization that supports veterans, first responders, and animals through programs including service-dog training, veterinary care, and animal rescue. Its work includes helping veterans build meaningful partnerships with service dogs, providing medical support to animals in need, and assisting animals affected by conflict.
