Photo courtesy Joseph Strigle Photography Emcees Erin Fehlau, of WMUR, and Brian McLaughlin, a seven-year veteran of the NH National Guard Infantry and founder and CEO of Granite Group Benefits in Manchester, presented a lively fashion show during the Beyond the Boots event, a fundraiser for Veterans Count.

Standing ovations greeted veterans who were introduced wearing their khakis and camo and dress blues. Then, they went backstage, changed outfits and launched into a runway strut that drew cheers at Beyond the Boots, a third annual fundraiser for Veterans Count, an Easterseals program.

Veterans Count, the philanthropic arm of Easterseals Military & Veterans Services, established in 2007 and based in Manchester, supports vets and their families through a host of services that boost dignity, health and well-being. January records online note that 13, 455 men and women thus far have been assisted.

The event of March 26 was hosted at Manchester Country Club in Bedford. Veterans, 20 in the revue, were the models. Gold Star Mother Patrice Mazneck, of Bedford, also modeled and sang a moving National Anthem. The audience of 240 contributed a wealth of funds, goods or services to the event, one whose silent auction this year offered a mobile bidding feature.

Kathy Flynn, Director of Development for Veterans Count at Easterseals, greeted the crowd. She welcomed back newscaster Erin Fehlau, of WMUR, and Veterans Count Executive Committee Chair Brian McLaughlin, a seven-year veteran of the NH Army National Guard Mountain Infantry and CEO and founder of Granite Group Benefits, in Manchester. The pair served as co-emcees for the event.

“This is the third year for our Beyond the Boots fashion show and we are encouraged by the growing support from the community to cheer on our Gold Star Mother and the veterans who model,” said Flynn. “This evening’s program also featured General Ken Clark who shared the history of Veterans Count, a Veteran-owned Business Award presented to Bedford’s Tony Matos of Altos, and a client who shared how Easterseals Military & Veteran Services has had a positive impact on his life.”

The models soon stepped out sportswear, casual wear, or evening attire. Plenty of Harley-Davidson MotorClothes flaunted rhinestones and leather, courtesy of Manchester Harley-Davidson. Dealership patriarch Steve Irons, a Marine Corps veteran, sent a salute to his two Marine Corps sons. One is a military police officer. The other is a bomb technician.

The event boasted a “glam squad” that included Benton Shoe Company; Britches of Concord; Men’s Wearhouse; Fresh of Nashua; Fabulous Looks Boutique; and Indigo Blues & Co. In addition, Danielle Cote from Noun Hair Salon, along with makeup artists from Studio LAVO donated services to help the models look fabulous with professional hair and make-up.

Bedford resident Ginger Munson drew raves on the runway. The Army pilot said she is proud of her six years of service flying helicopters, the “Huey” (UH-1)) and the “Black Hawk” (UH-60) over the Demilitarized Zone in Korea and elsewhere. Her husband, George, whom she met in Korea, serves full time with the NH National Guard.

Munson said her husband’s 30 years of service, comprised of four combat tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and Qatar, have added fire to her dedication for helping fellow military through Veterans Count.

“This event is an encouragement for the long haul,” Munson said. “Seeing folks in the community come out to acknowledge and appreciate our service means a great deal to me.”

Later, many guests took note of brochures touting amenities from presenting sponsors McIntyre Ski Area and Envy Sports Club & Cafe, both of Manchester. Others remarked on support for the event that came from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield; Granite Group Benefits LLC; and Great NH Restaurants; along with Kurt Wicks Allstate; Soil Away LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors.

Realtor Lynn Cullity, of Keller Williams Metropolitan, an agency that recently donated 120 Red Sox baseball caps to an event focused on homeless veterans, observed the festivities.

“Veterans Count ensures that veterans are acknowledged,” Cullity said. ” It offers so much, including an energizing net when veterans come home.”

Information about Veterans Count, an Easterseals program, can be had online: vetscount.org/nh.