Meet Joanna Garcia, Laura Garcia-Aguilar, and Al Aguilar

The Players

Joanna Garcia, the Event Producer and visionaire brings her expertise in design and event production.  She has been a strong advocate for non-profits organizations and has volunteered her time with notable charities including Columbia Heights Day, One Common Unity, Our House and Project Angel Food.  Her passion for historical landmarks began when she lived in the District Of Columbia, where she produced high-end events in exclusive historical landmarks.  When she moved to her native state California in 2016, she started creating and producing events for the Roaring Twenties Street Jam. This production company produces an array of unique Vintage events from a 1920s’ inspired Lawn Party at Griffith Park, Vaudeville Show at The Wiltern, Vintage Burlesque Variety Shows, Valentine’s Day Speakeasy Party Pie Fight (yes, a pie fight!) and a favorite of all the Merry-Go-Round Party with a Cirque Sideshow.  Her events have been featured in the LA Weekly and also on Eye On LA. We are excited to see what she does next!

Laura Aguilar, is the event’s Signature Sponsor. Having worked in a VA Medical Center as a nurse for 13 years she has witnessed firsthand the struggles that our veterans face with both mental health and adjusting to civilian life after military service. As a veteran of both the active duty Navy and Army Reserve herself this experience was particularly disturbing. Today, as a realtor she focuses on providing special incentive programs that benefit veterans and their families.

Alfred Aguilar, after growing up in East Los Angeles, he joined the Army. He retired from the Army Reserves after 30 years of combined service. In 2002, he was responsible for coordinating military funerals at the Riverside National Cemetery. He was activated for Operation Enduring Freedom in January of 2003. He spent the next 13 months in charge of a medical team tasked with providing medical screening for soldiers deploying to and from Iraq, there he witnessed the level of mental health screening provided to soldiers at that time. Both of those experiences prompted him to do all he can to support organizations that work to reduce veterans’ suicide.

Finding the perfect location to host the event was a key factor as we wanted to pay homage to Veterans. Laura had suggested the Battleship U.S.S. IOWA, when we first stepped on to the battleship, it was a surreal experience to be on such a large vessel, with such a rich history. There was no doubt, we all knew it was the perfect place to capture the essence of the event.

It was now time to put the vision together, this is always Joanna’s favorite part. We had the battleship, and now we needed an incredible concept to match it. Doing a 1940’s inspired event was meant to be, especially since the Battleship U.S.S. IOWA served in World War II. We have created a USO Style show with top-notch talent who embodies the 1940’s to perfection

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
’40s On The Fantail came to fruition over dinner with my sister Laura and her husband, Al. We were discussing Veteran suicide and deeply disturbed by the fact that every day, more than twenty veterans are lost to suicide. We were moved to action, we wanted to do something to help and to support our Veterans. The best part of the 40’s On The Fantail concept, is that it’s truly a family affair. There are three key players and each one brings their passion, experience and drive to the table. We have come together and created an event that we are all so proud of. This charity event will benefit Mission 22, a non-profit organization that combats Veteran suicide.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most events of this caliber are produced by established charity organizations such as the Lions Club or Rotary Club. Our event is being organized by veterans for veterans. Since this is the first time for this event, there are many challenges like getting the word out and creating a following, just to name a few. It feels like there are not enough hours in the day, this event can seem all consuming at times. During particularly stressful moments the stories of Veterans who’ve we lost to suicide reenergize our efforts. We are doing this for them, their families and for the Veteran who struggles on a daily basis. Like any great venture, there are moments of doubt and fear, but we just keep moving along. We find comfort in the saying from the movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, he will come,” and that’s what we are doing.

While the event world can be consuming, especially when you’re putting an event together for the first time. One of our favorite parts of this event was the research and sourcing of wine, beer and food vendors. We had a great time meeting vendors and enjoying samples. The event has been well received and vendors have come aboard 40’s On The Fantail with much enthusiasm. We are forever grateful for their generous donations and for being a part of the event.

Please tell us about 40’s On The Fantail – Wine, Beer & Food Festival!
40’s On The Fantail is just getting started! This will be an annual event with break out events throughout the year. Our mission is to create historically rich events that benefit nonprofit organizations.

Step back in time with us and relive the incredible 1940’s aboard the historic Battleship IOWA. Enjoy tasting fine Vintages, Craft Brews and Signature Bites, while raising funds and awareness for Mission 22. This event will feature top USO Entertainment – Headliner Jonathan Stout and His Campus Five led by Hilary Alexander. There will be live music by The Satin Dollz, and dance exhibitions by The Hollywood It Girls, Big Band Tunes by DJ Little Red, Classic Cars, Photo Ops with Pin-Ups for Vets, Swing Dance Lessons, Best Dressed Contest and more! Plus an official – END OF THE WAR – announcement.  This event brings together all of the finer things in life with a perfect setting on the Battleship IOWA.

The Benefactor is Mission 22 is a non-profit who combats the ever-rising veteran suicide rate. Every day, more than twenty veterans are lost to suicide. Mission 22 wants to bring that number to zero. It does this with three main programs; veteran treatment programs, memorials and national awareness. Mission 22 provides treatment programs to veterans for Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury and other issues they might be facing. It organizes events and builds memorials to create social impact and awareness for these issues. Mission 22 also has an Ambassador volunteer program for people to get involved as well. Ambassadors educate the public on veteran issues, help get veterans into Mission 22 treatment programs and create resources in their communities. Through these three programs, it enables a push for the betterment of our nation’s heroes and stands united in the war against veteran suicide.

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