PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
March 1, 2020
THE VETERANS COUNCIL GALA, TRULY SPECTACULAR
On the evening of February 29th, the Grand Harbor Country Club was a packed house with an oversold guest list of 152 attendees for the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular Gala. Military and civilian guests came together at this patriotic event to raise money for the Veterans Council and the many programs which serve the community’s veterans and their families.
As guests arrived to cocktails and hors d’eouvres, they perused the silent auction items and took photos in front of a large Veterans Council ice sculpture. The event program began with the Sebastian Honor Guard presentation of the colors. Ms. Telly Antona led the crowd in our National Anthem and Father Dave Newhart gave the invocation.
The guest speaker for the evening was Executive Director of the National US Navy Seal Museum in Fort Pierce, Master Chief Rick Kaiser, USN (ret.) SEAL. Kaiser shared stories from his vast career as a Navy Seal including details of his experiences from deployments which were featured in two award winning films; Black Hawk Down and Captain Phillips. Rick payed tribute to his first mentor Master Chief Rudy Boesch who had an extensive military career of 45 years and was a contestant on the TV show survivor after his retirement. Ricks mentor and friend began his career training on the beaches of Fort Pierce, FL and passed away in November of 2019 at the age of 91. Rick will bring Rudy’s ashes back to Fort Pierce.
Veterans Council Executive Director Jim Romanek presented a challenge to attendees to support veterans’ programs. The evenings patriotic festivities concluded with Father Dave Newhart leading all attendees in singing “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood.
The Veterans Council of Indian River County is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to support all Indian River County veterans and their families while raising awareness of veteran’s needs and their contributions to society. If you are a veteran or know of a veteran in need of services please contact the Veterans Council at (772) 410-5820. To become involved with the Veterans Council of Indian River County by becoming a volunteer, offering personal/business services or by contributing your financial support, visit the Veterans Council website at www.HelpIRCVets.org or call the above referenced number.
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