6th Annual Tribute to Honor America's 1st Responders

500 attend OS91's 6th Annual Tribute to Honor America's 1st Responders

Operation Safety 91's 6th Annual Tribute to Honor America's 1st Responders was held on February 28, 2014 at the beautiful Rosen Centre on International Drive in Orlando, Florida. This free deluxe Luncheon as always honored all Responder disciplines but this year we had special recognition of the Military. This perfectly coincided with the 20th Anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu, which was led by Army Ranger Ground Commander COL Danny McKnight, OS91's National Spokesperson. FOX News covered the Event. 

theRealSolidersBehindBlackHawkDown5 https://vimeo.com/91441184

Presentation of Flag to COL Danny McKnight

To honor the memory of the 17 men he lost during battle, COL McKnight read their names as a Flag was folded in solemn ceremony and then presented to him. Keynote speaker was Major (Ret.) Jeff Struecker who, during the chaotic Battle of Mogadishu on October 3 and 4, 1993, showed himself to be a stalwart warrior and courageous leader. He led a 3 vehicle convoy through the dangerous enemy filled streets to rescue and evacuate a seriously wounded Ranger who had fallen 40 feet while fast roping from a Black Hawk Helicopter during the insertion of forces, depicted in the famous Movie, "Black Hawk Down".  He also participated in the 1989 invasion of Panama and in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. Jeff is now a Pastor of a Church and an author. View this short teaser which will give you a taste of what these heroes went through in the Battle of Mogadishu. Return to Mogadishu

                                             

During the Memorial, the wonderful Rosie O'Grady Bagpipers, 10 in all, filled the Ballroom with a powerful rendition of Amazing Grace. 

This year for the very first time OS91 invited specially selected local JROTC and Police and Fire Explorers to the Event, along with Students from Tangelo Park, to expose them to true Heroes, and to the noble Responder professions and our local Responder Heroes.                           

 Our Emcee was Tony Mainolfi, 

Chief Meteorologist of WESH 2 News

Keynote Speaker MAJ Jeff Struecker, U.S. Army (Ret.)

of "Black Hawk Down" with COL Danny McKnight

Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Marie Jacobs-Black, U.S. Army
with Mary

A three year dream came true for Mary at this 6th Annual Tribute. Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Marie Jacobs Black came to Orlando specifically to give her Psalm 91 testimonies. 

Music before and during the Event provided by 

By Your Side Ministries

http://byyoursideministries.com/

Another dream come true was the music for the 6th Annual Tribute, so generously donated by Dave Gillum and Rebecca Martin with several singers and tech personnel of "By Your Side Ministries". The Event culminated with A Salute to the Armed Forces" from Homeland. Amazing!

Viera High School Honor Guard 

An outstanding and solemn Ceremony of the Missing Warrior Table was presented by Viera High School Honor Guard followed later in the Tribute by the Presentation of the Colors by Orlando Naval Reserve Color Guard. 

Orlando Naval Reserve Color Guard

 Longwood Police and three of their Explorers

Marines from Orlando Reserve Center

All Responders present were treated to a deluxe luncheon through the partnership of many businesses, organizations, churches, schools, and individuals. OS91 particularly thanks our Gold Sponsors: Rosen Hotels and COL Danny McKnight. Also our heartfelt gratitude goes to the following who generously supported the Event by sponsoring a Table:

Baldwin Fairchild

Bichler, Kelley, Oliver & Longo, PLLC

Billy Donovan

Christ Family Church

Florida East Coast Industries

Gary and Nancy Ayers

High Point Christian Center

New Hope Christian Academy

Orlando Police Department

SeaWorld

Star & Shield Group

St. James Christian Academy