With smiles as bright as the medals on their uniforms, veterans and active service members from all branches of the military convened at the Grand Harbor Golf Club recently to celebrate the brotherhood of veterans during the second annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular Gala to benefit the Veterans Council of Indian River County.
The men stood a little taller in their dress uniforms and tuxedos, while the women dressed to impress in elegant gowns during an evening filled with pride for their service to the country and a hope for ongoing service to the local community.
“We have a sold-out crowd of 150 tonight,” said Jim Romanek, executive director of the Veterans Council. “This is my first gala and I can’t wait to hear what our speaker, Master Chief Rick Kaiser, who now serves as the executive director of the U.S. Navy SEAL Museum, has to say.”
After an animated hour of socializing, guests stood for a touching presentation of the colors by the Sebastian Area Honor Guard.
“Our Sebastian chapter is 655 strong,” said Jerry Lucci. “We’re the largest veteran honor guard in the nation.”
Telly Antona, a former U. S. Army sergeant who now serves as a mental health support coordinator overseeing PTSD classes for Next Generation Veterans, sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem.
“Many of our vets come home and suffer from PTSD,” said Antona. “I’m one of them myself so this is my passion.”
Guest speaker Rick Kaiser opened with a tribute to his first Master Sgt. Rudy Boesch, who passed away in November at age 91. Boesch trained on the Fort Pierce beach where the museum sits today, served as a SEAL for 45 years, and gained notoriety as a contestant on the first “Survivor” series for spewing politically incorrect comments known as ‘Rudyisms.’
Kaiser shared highlights of his own 34-year career as a Navy SEAL and his many deployments, including two missions that were later made into movies: “Blackhawk Down” and “Captain Phillips.” A personal story about his 2016 wedding day skydiving accident, which led to the amputation of his leg, was infused with humor and irony, as well as an inspirational message of hope and a determination to never give up.
“I’m very honored to be here and support the veterans of Indian River County,” said Kaiser. “I live here and I’m not going anywhere, so I’m on board to help fellow veterans in any way I can.”
The Veterans Council supports veterans and their families through the collective efforts of veterans’ groups, civic associations and the general community through a variety of programs and services, including emergency assistance with medical expenses and household bills, transportation to medical appointments at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, providing veterans with job training and skills to help transition from military to civilian life, and honoring veterans with memorials and at military ceremonies.
Other programs include Veterans Helping Veterans, which assists veterans in need with home improvements, and Veterans in the Classroom, which teaches students about respect for the country, military service and citizenship.
For more information, visit veteranscouncilirc.club.
Photos by: Maryann Ketchum
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