In this latest episode of Best of Success, hosted by John Wyatt, editor of Walls and Ceilings, we spotlight an extraordinary collaboration between METALCON and the Military Warriors Support Foundation. Guests included Judy Geller, Vice President of METALCON at PSMJ Resources, and Casey Kinser, Executive Vice President of MWSF. Together, they shared insights into this year’s METALCON event and its centerpiece initiative: the Eagles Landing Veteran Retreat.

Learn About Military Warriors Support Foundation at METALCON 2025

We spotlight METALCON’s partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation to launch the Eagles Landing Veteran Retreat, a healing space for combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families.

METALCON, scheduled for October 21–23 in Las Vegas, is the largest international event dedicated to the metal construction industry. Geller highlighted the expanded offerings for 2024, including hands-on training for contractors and architects, 35 free education sessions, and over 250 exhibitors. Yet, the show’s most impactful feature will be the construction of a “Barndominium” frame live on the show floor—a project tied directly to supporting America’s veterans.

The Eagles Landing retreat project builds on METALCON’s long-standing tradition of supporting veterans. Years ago, the organization constructed a house on its show floor for Homes for Our Troops, leaving a legacy that Geller said has always been part of METALCON’s DNA. This year, the team is partnering with MWSF to create a dedicated retreat in Hall, Montana, where combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families can find healing, camaraderie, and rest.

Kinser explained that the initiative aligns seamlessly with MWSF’s mission to provide housing, transportation, and family support programs for veterans. As the spouse of a combat-wounded veteran, she spoke personally about the struggles military families face and emphasized how meaningful it will be for them to gather in a restorative environment surrounded by nature and community support.

The Barndominium design, led by Stacy Lynn of the Barndominium Company, blends functionality with healing aesthetics. It will feature ADA-compliant accessibility, wide open spaces, and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Though the steel frame will debut at METALCON in Las Vegas, it will later be transported to Montana for its permanent build, with final construction expected to begin in spring due to weather conditions.

Both Geller and Kinser urged industry professionals and the public to contribute to the project through donations of materials, funding, or volunteer services. Contributions can be made via METALCON.com, and all donations are tax-deductible through MWSF.