Blue Star mom Penny Pinkham of Fort Walton, Florida is one of my new heroes. Just a couple of months ago, with a dream to bring wounded warriors from Fort Hood, Texas to our beautiful Emerald Coast in Destin, Florida for a weekend retreat, she stepped out on faith and angels came flocking. Penny approached Director of Sales Frank Sandro at the most beautiful and my favorite resort in Destin, the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village. Frank in turn spoke with General Manger, Bruce Craul who didn't hesitate to say yes to providing 50 rooms, spa treatments, food, and fishing excursions on the resort's The Sloop fishing boat. Frank also contacted other business owners at HarborWalk Village that also contributed to providing events for the wounded warriors.
Penny also contacted Cindy Maney, President of Northwest Florida Blue Star Mothers, to seek help with all the details involved in bringing the event together. Well, what an event it was on Saturday and Sunday May 8th and 9th. My Blue Star mom friend, Colleen Greene whose son is currently serving in Afghanistan had provided my name to Penny to be considered for speaking. And, WAHLAH! Following words by the Mayor of Destin, I was honored to be a part of the Saturday evening Red, White, and Blue celebration and spoke to the warriors for a few minutes.
Special inspirational speaker was wounded warrior Lt. Clebe McClary, USMC 1st Recon Platoon 1967 -1968 Vietnam, author of the book, LIVING PROOF, along with his beautiful wife of 42 years, Deanna. Clebe shared his story from Vietnam that cost him an arm, an eye, and fingers on his remaining hand. How he withstood over 40 operations and 2 years in a hospital while his wife remained steadfast from then through to today. His message is one of courage, endurance, and faith to today's wounded warriors.
Signs for the event were created by elementary school students of Okaloosa County.
Blue Star mom, Colleen Greene (far left), Blue Star Mom Cindy Maney (glasses), and Gold Star Mom Glenda Penton
Deb with Wounded Warriors before dinner at poolside.
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