Joining forces for a good cause, Jose Belen is presenting Vet Basel, an impactful annual event that honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Proudly sponsored by Cookies and hosted at Grails Miami, Sierra 1 Veteran Outreach and Veteran Education Tour stand in strong support to present a poignant tribute and recognize the
struggles faced by veterans following their service.
Combat veteran and advocate Jose Belen will host a transformative three-day experience at Grails in Miami from Dec. 6-8, featuring live painting, art exhibits, and heartfelt engagements with the families of fallen veterans.
The guest of honor will be Deborah “Mama D” Smith, mother of late USMC LCPL Antoine D. Smith, a native of Miami, Florida. On Dec. 6, there will be an unveiling of two special pieces in his memory: one crafted by Jose Belen and a portrait of Antoine, a heartfelt gift from Miami artist Jonathan Ramirez.
In addition to the memorial tribute, the event will showcase the premiere of 34 custom Air Force 1 sneakers. All proceeds generated from the showcase will be directed toward charity. Following the premiere, attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore Jose Belen’s captivating art exhibit and engage in a meet-and-greet session with the artist.
Day two is all about art and honor. Jeremy Clarkin USMC of Tattered Soul will present an art show, painting with Jose Belen and live sneaker painting with Anton Customs. Raymond Houston USN/US Army of Sierra 1 Veteran Outreach will be honored for his dedicated service and advocacy for veterans.
“To be chosen as an honoree at an event of this magnitude has humbled and motivated me to stay in the fight,” Houston said. “With this honor comes a renewed responsibility to be a servant and set the example for others to follow in my military, veteran, and first responder community.”
The final day, Dec. 8, features a Fo$$ and Jose collaborative art piece, and DJ Nelson will have a sneaker speaker galleria with raffles, prizes and giveaways. Personalized pieces will also be made to give to the families of fallen veterans, making this event a meaningful experience for all attendees. Vet Basel is a platform that transcends art and entertainment, fostering a community that remembers, honors, and celebrates the resilience of those who have faced the post-war struggle. This event brings together artists, veterans, and supporters for a unique and impactful experience.
Join us as we remember, honor, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of our heroes.
About Jose Belen
Jose Belen is a combat veteran and passionate advocate for veterans’ rights and mental health. Through his art, he seeks to raise awareness and create a positive impact on the lives of those who have served. Once disheartened by the hands that were once instruments of war, he discovered the therapeutic potential in the color red, a hue that carried profound significance from his experiences on the battlefield, witnessing the bloodshed of his comrades. Painting his first red stripe became a cathartic act, unlocking a healing process he had never known. Guided by the rhythm of the music that accompanied him in combat, Jose, a self-taught artist, reshaped his hands from tools of war to creators of healing, love, and unity. Now, at home, Jose endeavors to maintain authenticity, using his artistic talent to combat PTSD. His journey serves as a beacon, illuminating a path for veterans and individuals struggling with despair, demonstrating that everyone has the potential to aid one another in healing.
About Sierra 1 Veteran Outreach
Sierra 1 Veteran Outreach (S1VO) embodies a powerful journey forged through years of resilience, adversity, and healing. Ray Houston, founder and combat veteran, confronted the harsh realities of the post-war experience. Having navigated through what seemed like the embodiment of veteran clichés, Houston found himself at 250lbs, reliant on a walker, and grappling with the challenges of civilian life. In the depths of despair, with a support network comprising family, friends, and fellow veterans, he summoned the courage to embark on a transformative path towards healing. S1VO emerges as a beacon of support for the veteran community, offering education on diverse healing methods and organizing events designed to instill hope in veterans and their families. The essence of S1VO lies in the belief that the spark of hope is all one needs to initiate a journey toward post-traumatic growth, echoing the profound message that life can indeed be better, inspiring veterans to embark on their path to recovery and resilience.
