Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras krewe, based in Orange Beach, is hosting a special bourbon dinner to honor two veterans known as the Horse Soldiers. The organization has invited two of the six Horse Soldiers to serve as Grand Marshals for the group's 27th-anniversary Mardi Gras Parade. The event offers the public a chance to hear their story firsthand and to celebrate their service. All proceeds will support veterans.

The bourbon dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at the Orange Beach Event Center, 4671 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach. Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner and the program beginning at 6 p.m. The event is for adults 21 and older, and seating is limited.

The Horse Soldiers were among the first Americans sent into Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, attacks. They were among the original 12 U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers deployed on that mission. The group accomplished its mission under difficult conditions, and all 12 soldiers returned home.

Attendees will hear firsthand accounts of the mission, its challenges, and the sacrifices involved. The Mystics of Pleasure said the dinner is more than a social gathering. The krewe described it as a rare opportunity to meet the men whose actions led to the invitation to lead the 2027 parade, scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Tickets are $100 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10. Proceeds will first cover the cost of bringing the Horse Soldier Grand Marshals to the community. Any funds raised above that amount will be donated to a veterans' charity. Tickets are available at zeffy.com. 

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.