Celebrating American patriotism and bravery, supporters of the National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce gathered for an occasion titled an Extraordinary Evening at Quail Valley River Club: The Forging of a Navy SEAL.
The event, hosted by SEAL Team Vero Beach, offered a retrospective on the past, present and future of the museum and its mission to preserve the history and heritage of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors.
After enjoying cocktails by the pool and greeting a few SEAL Canine Assault Dogs, the sold-out crowd moved into the dining room to continue the inspiring evening.
Dr. Jim Shafer, host committee co-chair with Don McClure, shared that his commitment to the museum is deeply personal. It was born from a promise made to the late James “Patches” Watson, a SEAL Team 2 “plank owner,” meaning that he was an original member of the unit when it was first established in 1962.
“The last words he heard were my promise to take care of his museum,” said Shafer, reflecting on the museum’s role in inspiring others to “care and love our country a little bit deeper.”
During a flag-folding ceremony, reverently performed by members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Vice Adm. Tim Szymanski, USN (Ret.), the museum’s CEO, provided a moving narration of the thirteen folds, explaining the symbolism behind each movement.
Master Chief (Ret.) Rick Kaiser, the museum’s executive director, reminded the audience that the museum is located on the site of the original training grounds for the combat demolition units that landed in Normandy over 80 years ago.
The keynote address by retired Navy SEAL Lt. Jason “Jay” Redman gave everyone a great deal to reflect on before ever again complaining about having a “bad day.” A 21-year veteran, Redman’s life changed in an instant when, during a mission outside Fallujah, Iraq in 2007, he was shot seven times, losing part of his face and nearly his left arm.
Redman spoke candidly about his recovery, noting while lying in the hospital room he decided not to feel sorry for himself. He also had a sign he posted on his door at Bethesda Naval Hospital, which warned visitors not to enter with sorrow or pity.
“If I woke up this morning, it is a good day. It’s up to me to make it a great day,” Redman said, emphasizing that being a SEAL, and being a leader, is a choice.
Noting the SEAL tenet, “In the absence of leadership, I will step up and lead,” Redman said, “The most critical person you’ll ever lead is yourself.”
He offered a last challenge in closing saying, “You guys chose to be here, but I need you to choose to give back.”
Redman’s account served as a powerful testament to the purpose of the Navy SEAL Museum Charities Program, which recognizes that each soldier’s journey is different.
The program funds the Trident House Respite Homes, retreats where families can reconnect and heal; provides $500,000 in annual K-12 and college scholarships to the children of these warriors; pairs veterans with specialized service dogs through its K9 Project; and provides emergency financial assistance to families facing health crises or natural disasters.
For more information, visit NavySealMuseum.org.
Photos by Norah Kodis
