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Hero Fest attendees check out the Tempered Steel booth. Leslie Collins

By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
May 16, 2012

Twenty local bands rocked the stage during the VFW Hero Fest, a three-day event held to honor veterans. Held May 11-13 at the VFW Post 9997, 6801 Wilson Rd., the Hero Fest also included special speakers from Tempered Steel and the Wounded Warrior Project, who shared their stories of serving and living as a wounded veteran.

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Jolly Roger guitarist shows off his skills. Leslie Collins
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Garrett Cox of 49 Stones performs. Leslie Collins
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The Van Horn High School Honor Guard serves as the backdrop while the national anthem is sung. Leslie Collins
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Jolly Roger's lead singer shows off his patriotic side. Leslie Collins
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Sound check. Jim McCormack runs the sound board during the three-day Hero Fest. Leslie Collins
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Ret. Army Sgt. Scott Stephenson, left, shows off his battle wounds. Stephenson and his mother, Luana Schneider, co-founded Tempered Steel after he was seriously wounded and disfigured in Iraq in November of 2006. The goal of Tempered Steel is to educate by exposing the very real human stories behind the wounds of war. Michael Bushnell
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49 Stones rocks out the stage May 12. Leslie Collins