6th Annual Emerald Coast Salute to Special Operations Forces Set for Nov. 17th

Online, October 24, 2010 (Newswire.com) - FORT WALTON BEACH - The Special Operations Warrior Foundation, is hosting its 6th Annual Emerald Coast Salute to Special Operations Forces Dinner on November 17th at the Emerald Coast Conference Center, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. The dinner will pay tribute to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel and their families.

There are over 12,000 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel supporting Special Operations units located in Okaloosa County. The Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters and the 1st Special Operations Wing are located at Hurlburt Field. The 919th Special Operations Wing is located at Duke Field. Additionally the 7th Special Forces Group is relocating to the vicinity of Duke Field. The Army's Florida Ranger Camp is located on the Eglin AFB reservation.

It was here at Hurlburt Field, just over 30 year ago, after the loss of eight military personnel on the Iran Hostage Rescue mission that the Special Operations Warrior Foundation roots were first planted.

"It will be an evening of remembrance and paying tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom," said the foundation's president, retired Air Force Col. John T. Carney, Jr.

"It is also a night for reaffirming the foundation's commitment," he said, "a pledge to provide a college education to all surviving children of Special Operations personnel killed in combat or training."

For more than 30 years the top-rated Special Operations Warrior Foundation has provided support and assistance to the families of fallen and wounded Special Operations personnel. They provided full funding for tuition, books, fees, room and board, and computer.

The foundation also provides immediate financial assistance to special operations personnel severely wounded in combat.

"It is important to remind our military that their community supports their efforts," said Carney. "And in the case of the Special Operations community, if they lose their lives fighting for our freedom, they know the Warrior Foundation is here to provide for their children's education."

The foundation, which was recently awarded its fifth consecutive four-star rating, will honor Senior Master Sgt. Calvin Markham, an Air Force combat controller who directed multiple close air support sorties against key Taliban leadership position, earning him a Silver Star for his actions. Markham will be awarded "SOWF Volunteer of the Year" for his efforts in coordinating an annual golf tournament to raise for the foundation.

Entertainment will be provided by Becky Minger, Miss Ohio.

The dinner, which is being held at the Emerald Coast Conference Center in Fort Walton Beach, starts with a reception at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner and the program at 7:00 pm. Dress for the event is business attire.

Local businesses are invited to attend this opportunity to learn more about Special Operations and the local personnel who serve so bravely. Corporate tables are available starting at $1,000 and if interested, companies can purchase tables and donate seats for military guests.

Individuals can purchase tickets online for $100 per person at www.specialops.org or call (813) 805-9400 to reserve your tickets now.

For more information, please contact Edie Rosenthal at the Special Operations Warrior Foundation at (813) 843-4417 or email [email protected].