Performance Drone Works Serves as Title Sponsor of Robert Irvine Foundation's Red Wine & Blues Event in Arlington

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Robert Irvine Foundation hosted its fifth annual Red Wine & Blues on September 15, 2026, bringing together senior military leaders from every branch at the Army Navy Country Club. Guests enjoyed a four-course menu designed by Chef Robert Irvine and prepared by military cooks and Enlisted Aides.

Performance Drone Works, a US-based manufacturer of mission-ready drones and aerial robotic systems served as the Stars & Stripes sponsor.

Robert Irvine, Founder of the Robert Irvine Foundation, shared, "A title sponsor helps us do more for the men and women we serve. With Performance Drone Works, it means even more because they understand this community firsthand and share our commitment to the people in uniform."

Performance Drone Works is intimately connected to the individuals served by the Robert Irvine Foundation. The company is led largely by veterans who are building and developing the equipment being used by service members today. 

"The work of the Robert Irvine Foundation reflects a simple but powerful commitment: the men and women who served our country should know that we will continue to show up for them when they come home," said Matt Higgins, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of PDW. "Red Wine & Blues brings people together around that responsibility and helps the Foundation deliver support that makes a real difference for veterans and their families. We were honored to be a part of this special event and applaud the Foundation's ongoing mission to support the wellbeing of those who served."

The program included remarks from senior military leaders and Juan Andrade, CEO of USAA, closing with Robert Irvine's recognition of the 2026 Enlisted Aide of the Year, Petty Officer First Class Caleb Abdinoor, U.S. Navy, along with the nominees from all six military branches.

Photo Assets available on Dropbox

Robert Irvine Foundation
The Robert Irvine Foundation strengthens the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Its Food, Wellness, and Community programs nourish, strengthen, and connect those who serve, building resilience long before crisis takes hold. Founded by chef and entrepreneur Robert Irvine, the Foundation exists so those who protect us are not doing it alone. RobertIrvineFoundation.org

Performance Drone Works
Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Performance Drone Works (PDW) is a defense technology company developing multi-mission aerial robotic systems for defense, government, and public safety customers. The company bridges the gap between low-capability drones and high-end platforms, delivering scalable airpower at the edge. Designed from the operator outward and produced at scale in the United States, its systems are shaped by real-world deployments and built to perform under pressure. PDW is building a new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, with a mission to bring decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. pdw.ai

CONTACT:
Christina Lamport
[email protected]

SOURCE The Robert Irvine Foundation