Veteran 11 12 2015

Page 1

35 cents

VOL. 4/ISSUE 2

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

At Muster, the deal is SEALed Mary Kemper STAFF WRITER

mkemper@veteranvoiceweekly.com

Down through brilliant skies above the National Navy-UDT SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce Nov. 7 came skydivers who landed cleanly and spectacularly right in front of a packed crowd of thousands, in celebration of the Museum’s 30th annual Muster. It was a weekend-long event, having kicked off Friday, Nov. 6, with a pre-Muster happy hour and beer bash, with food vendors and music by the American Rogues. On Saturday, the annual 5K beach run/walk was held at 7 a.m., and at 11 a.m., following a drop by the SEAL Parachute Team Leap Frogs, a K-9 demonstration was held and a SEAL tactical enemy apprehension demonstration. Keynote speakers were Vice Adm. Sean Pybus, deputy command of Special Operations Command, and Titus O’Neil, WWC superstar and former WWE world tag-team champion. From 1-5 p.m., Muster-goers wandered the grounds, visiting booths manned by several different organizations, including the Military Moms Prayer Group, the Indian River Woodcarvers Club — which crafts personalized canes free for Purple Heart recipients — and Thunder the American bald eagle. A contingent of Sea Cadets from all over the state were there, including a unit from the David McCampbell Battalion in Melbourne, lining the stadium rails on guard during the Color Guard, Fife and Drum Corps and Scottish military music by the American Rogues. Rick Kaiser, former SEAL and executive director of the Museum, not only served as master of ceremonies, but also parachuted in to the drop zone himself. “I want you to know that someone moved that palm tree — it wasn’t my fault,” he joked to the crowd, making reference to injuries he suffered last year in which he hit a palm tree while descending on a jump. He thanked everyone involved in the Muster,

Mitch Kloorfain/chief photographer Titus O’Neil brought his WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) skills to the 30th Annual Navy SEAL Muster and Music Festival at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum Saturday, Nov. 7 in Fort Pierce. O’Neil first brought words of patriotic inspiration before performing in a demonstration showcasing a U.S. led raid on the enemy. the audience for coming, but most particularly veterans, as did Pybus and O’Neil. “The military has earned the right to be called heroes and warriors,” O’Neil said. Having had long experience putting on appearances at USO shows, he informed the audience that all troops get to go to WWE events for free. Thunder the eagle drew a steady stream of visitors thoughout the day, bringing wel-

come attention to the sanctuary where he lives, Wrede’s Wildlife Center, Inc., located in Sebring. The center, which serves as a home for those who cannot be released to their natural habitats. Thunder, 20 years old, is one of those. Having formerly rehabilitated wild animals, the center’s mission is to maintain the sanctuary See MUSTER page 3

A veteran tribute Mary Kemper STAFF WRITER

mkemper@veteranvoiceweekly.com

Under brilliant skies and balmy temperatures, St. Lucie Medical Center, Port St.

Lucie, conducted its annual moving tribute to America’s veterans Nov. 6 that included young veterans and older, music and Color and Flag guards, medical staff, veterans, and public alike.

See HOSPITAL page 5


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.