OS91 brings US hero, William Castillo to New Hope Christian Academy in Minneola, FL

SSG William Castillo

Friday, April 16, 2010, Operation Safety 91 (OS91) www.OS91.com founded to honor and protect America's 1st Responders, brought wounded Iraq/Afghan war hero, William Castillo to New Hope Christian Academy (NHCA) in Minneola, FL, to speak with the students. OS91 surprised William with a grand welcome from Mayor Pat Kelley, and Ladder 86 with Fire Chief Derryl O’Neal, Lt. Jim Simon, Vance Flummer, George (Sam) Smith and Josh Smith. Assistant Chief David Kilbury of Clermont Fire Department also attended. Representing Lake County Sheriff's Department were Captain Stevin Moss (Tavares) and Lt. Gregory Link (Minneola).

 

Responders entered the Academy at 10:00 a.m. in the midst of children waving flags and the music “Stars and Stripes” playing in the background. Edward Ganster, OS91 Founder, opened by honoring the Firefighters and Law Enforcement present and explaining to the students the role of Responders in protecting us and keeping us safe. William was then introduced amid energetic applause to share his story with all present. The response of students, teachers, parents, Responders and the Mayor was overwhelming…especially when William pulled up his pant leg to reveal his prosthetic leg. All were deeply touched and there was many a tear shed. William humbly shared about his sacrifice of leaving his family for 3 tours of duty, once following the birth of his baby. When asked, he did describe in a very simple, non dramatic and non detailed way how his vehicle was blown up and how he survived.

Following William’s interaction, the Mayor Pat Kelley spoke about how much he appreciates all Responders since his brother is currently at US Embassy of Kyrgyzstan north of Afghanistan and was saved last week by our Military. Another touching story followed about how Firefighters present actually saved one of his relatives’ life! The students clearly “caught” the message that OS91 is promoting: Responders are our friends, they are there to help us, rescue, protect and save us.

Student prays Psalm 91

One of the students prayed Psalm 91 to conclude the Event and ironically the Firefighters received an Emergency call right at the very end of the Prayer! That was truly a lesson in itself!  Mrs. Angi Pitt, the Founder and Principal of New Hope Christian Academy, an ACE School (Accelerated Christian Education) invited all students to come and greet William. There were handshakes, hugs and even one student wanted to see his dog tags, which William most eagerly took off his neck for viewing. Pictures followed.

To our surprise, the Firefighters returned to the School and all the NHCA students were permitted to get in the Fire truck. Did they have fun! Ladder 86 never saw such excited kids!

Psalm 91 books were given to Responders by OS91 following the Event.  We thank Todd Holman and his wife, Heather, of iPortraitStudios.com for his partnering with us to video and photo this Event.  It was such a memorable day for all...a day we pray will affect the destinies of these children. William is partnering with OS91 to spread this message of Patriotism, self sacrifice and love of country. OS91 thanks all Responders of all branches of public safety who serve the cause of righteousness and freedom and protection of civilians! Know for sure that OS91 prays for you daily, for your safety and protection as you keep us safe. May you all be testimonies to the miraculous protection of Psalm 91, God's Covenant of Protection! Please contact us for FREE Psalm 91 books with FREE shipping. God bless you!

William Castillo with OS91 Founders, Ed and Mary Ganster

Operation Safety 91 (OS91) is a 501(c)3 non profit organization founded to honor and protect America’s 1^st Responders, active, retired and veteran: Firefighters, Law Enforcement, EMS personnel and Military.  OS91 honors Responders by holding a Tribute Event annually in Orlando, and protects Responders with Psalm 91.

Programs in progress:

Scholarships for qualified children of fallen responders, Portraits of  Firefighters, Law Enforcement and EMS Personnel fallen in the line of duty in a four county area in Central Florida, and School Events. For more information:

www.OS91.com

info@OS91.com

Toll free: 877-820-7467

407-484-4506

New Hope Christian Academy (NHCA) is located on 409 Old Highway, Minneola, FL, 34715. This school was established based on the need for individualized education for students, many of whom “fall through the cracks” educationally due to limitations or complications. Currently serving Kindergarten through 12^th Grade, New Hope offers students exceptional Christian education while finding the strengths of the student and helping them overcome their limitations. These students include a wide a wide variety of ethnicity, economic status and developmental capabilities.

For more information on New Hope Christian Academy:

http://www.newhopeca.org

newhopeca@embarqmail.com

352-242-9750

William Castillo was awarded the Purple Heart on June 29, 2007. He is the recipient of the gift of a retrofitted home by “Building Homes for Heroes”, a non profit organization founded by Andy Pujol, which builds and/or retrofits homes for chosen wounded warriors. For more information:

http://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org

StaffSgtCastillo@BuildingHomesForHeroes.org

516-684-9220

iPortait Studios has most generously partnered with Operation Safety 91 to honor America's Responders by offering Any Responder and his/her family a sitting and beautiful photo portrait absolutely FREE OF CHARGE. This applies to any Responder in the Central FL area as well as any Responder visiting from out of town or from another State. (If you are from Alaska, you have to bring some salmon!!!)
Receive this gift from an extremely talented business owner who wants to say Thank You for your service!
www.iPortraitStudios.com
Todd@iPortraitStudios.com
339 N. Hwy 27
Clermont, FL 34711
Office: 352-242-0026 / Cell: 407-301-2625