Two things...

A lot of guys to out of their way to seek out these stupid events so that they can get people to tell them how great they are. They're the same people that just happen to show up places with their uniform on, etc when they have no need to do so. They're either looking for free stuff or for adulation. It's the same reason why some are pushing the Stolen Valor Act.

And if it isn't them looking for it, this type of thing is offered all the time for guys, but nobody is requiring anybody to do it. So even if he was asked to do it, he didn't have to. He wouldn't be the first person to decline.

On a side note, it's funny and sad at the same time that leadership always tells subordinates not to show up unannounced at their home. Lol.