TOGETHER WITH
Good morning!
Looking to shop local? The Destin Commons Market takes place on the last Sunday of every month at Center Plaza, located in front of the AMC theatre, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The local community is invited to shop at a variety of vendors selling handmade goods, home decor, tasty treats, original artwork, and much more.
- Those interested in being a vendor at The Destin Commons Market can apply at destincommons.com.
A MESSAGE FROM OKALOOSA GAS
The “Horse Soldiers” helped liberate Afghanistan after 9/11, to be honored by FWB Chamber in special event
The Greater FWB Chamber of Commerce will honor the ODA 595 Horse Soldiers, more commonly known as the horse soldiers portrayed in the movie “12 Strong,” on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 5:30 pm at the Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds.
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, a 12-man team of U.S. Army Green Berets (ODA 595) were inserted deep in northern Afghanistan as part of an unconventional mission known as Task Force Dagger, to aid local partisans in their unconventional war against the Taliban.
- Over a course of two months, the Green Berets advised Afghan commanders and directed a massive air campaign to rout the Taliban from power. It was the most successful unconventional warfare campaign in modern history.
The Americans were dubbed “The Horse Soldiers” by Western media reporting on their triumphs. The team’s exploits have been portrayed in the Hollywood movie 12 Strong and the Emmy-nominated documentary Legion of Brothers. A monument to their honor was erected at Ground Zero in New York City called America’s Response Monument.
On Saturday, October 22, 2022, this event will mark the first time the horse soldiers have reunited since that historical event, and the public is invited to be a part of it. Here’s a breakdown of the festivities:
- Thursday, October 20, 7-9 pm at Props in Niceville from 7-9 pm. Meet several of the Horse Soldiers and enjoy Horse Soldier Bourbon and ODA 595 Ale, a limited edition beer that Props canned specifically for these soldiers.
- Saturday, Oct 22, 2022 at 5:30 pm at the Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds. Experience a special program celebrating the service and accomplishments of the ODA 595 Horse Soldiers.
“We’re finding that people don’t know who the horse soldiers are,” says Ted Corcoran, president of the FWB Chamber of Commerce.
Despite knowledge of the mission being available to the public, it had remained largely unheard of until the book Horse Soldiers. People still walk by the 16-foot bronze statue of a Green Beret on horseback overlooking Ground Zero and are unaware of its significance.
- The statue, called America’s Response Monument, honors not only ODA 595, but all the soldiers called upon in the early days after 9/11.
“Very few people know that just weeks after 9/11, these guys were in Afghanistan,” says Corcoran. “These 12 guys were dropped into Afghanistan, a country we knew nothing about because it was a surprise attack, and there they are attempting to find Bin Laden and eradicate the Taliban. It was quite an undertaking.”
What made the mission of ODA 595 so incredible was that it was done on horseback, not by tanks or trucks. Corcoran explains that only one of the men had actually ridden a horse before. The men had to have horseback riding lessons immediately and start making their way through the terrain.
According to the MilitaryTimes.com, on November 10, 2001, ODA 595 and militia allies liberated the city of Mazar-e-Sharif from the Taliban, marking a huge victory that paved the way for future success. Weeks later, the Taliban surrendered in other areas of Afghanistan.
The Horse Soldiers successfully achieved in weeks what was originally speculated to take months or even years. In assisting their Northern Alliance counterparts, ODA 595 helped to liberate villages, towns, and cities in six Northern Provinces; destroyed bunkers, vehicles, tanks, and artillery pieces; and killed or captured Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters.
- The Horse Soldiers ultimately defeated the Taliban and pushed the surviving members of Al-Qaeda into the mountains of Pakistan.
As for the FWB Chamber and the event, Corcoran says the FWB Chamber is no stranger to honoring our brave military heroes. Earlier this year, the Chambers held the final goblet ceremony honoring the Doolittle Raiders. Just like the goblets for the Raiders, the Horse Soldiers will have something similar.
“Our Chamber of Commerce is creating 14 silver canteen cups, the Army equivalent of goblets, which will be issued at the banquet,” said Corcoran.
The banquet is on Saturday, October 22nd, starting at 5:30 at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds. Ten of the original 12 Strong will be in attendance and it will be the very first time they have been together since the war, and the very first time they have ever been feted by a community.
“It’s going to be a great banquet with a casual environment at the fairgrounds, with food, beer, wine, and Horse Soldier bourbon included in the admission price,” says Corcoran. “You’ll have the chance to buy a limited edition artwork created specifically for this event that will be signed by 10 of the horse soldiers, and all of them have never signed anything before.”
Presenters include:
- The CIA agent who greeted them when they arrived in Afghanistan.
- Glen Thomas, a friend who trained with them, will tell the story about what the mission was like.
- Rich Cole, the son of Lt Col Dick Cole who was the Doolittle Raiders co-pilot, will talk about the connection and similarities between the Doolittle Raiders and ODA 595. He is also going to talk about the goblets.
“When you think of Okaloosa Gas, you think about the energy, people, and service that you can rely on,” said Gordon King, CEO at Okaloosa Gas. “When I think about the ODA 595 Warriors, I think the same thing. The energy, service, and people we could rely on.”
As a sponsor of the ODA 595 event, King says it’s an honor to be a part of such a special event.
“Okaloosa Gas has a long tradition of serving customers in the community, and I know these warriors have served their country well, and you can’t thank them enough for what they did,” he added. “This was a job that had a very small chance of them returning home from, and they committed to their service, to their country, and we appreciate them for what they did.”
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THINGS TO DO
The 2nd Annual Epic Bakery Festival in DeFuniak Springs is back!
On Sunday, November 13, 2022, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is bringing back its Epic Bakery Festival for the 2nd year! The family-friendly event is back at Mainstreet in DeFuniak Springs.
Enjoy delicious baked goods from locally-owned bakeries, chefs, and restaurants, a live DJ, an epic kid zone, and more!
- All proceeds from this event go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, a nonprofit organization working in our community to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence through its programs focused on academic success, good character, citizenship, and a healthy lifestyle.
Interested in competing, volunteering, or even sponsoring? Please contact hello@francesroy.com.
- Sunday, November 13: 1pm-3pm
- General Admission Adults | $10: Includes an armband for unlimited food samples
- General Admission Kids (3-12 years old) | $5: Includes an armband for unlimited food samples
Purchase tickets on Eventbrite or by visiting the Boys and Girls Clubs Foodie Festival Facebook page.
GIVING BACK
Local businessman donates $1 million to Destin High School athletics
On Tuesday, October 18, 2022, local businessman Tripp Tolbert made a major donation to the Destin High School Athletics Department which will total $1 million.
- Tolbert delivered the first portion of his donation, $250,000, to Destin High School this week at a special surprise student assembly held in “The Shark Tank” at Destin High School.
The donation was presented by Tolbert, who took the opportunity to speak to the students to inspire them to work hard, show leadership, and give big to their community. He shared how his own journey and children inspired him to find meaningful ways to impact Northwest Florida.
“We can’t take this money with us,” said Tolbert. “Let’s give back to our community. What better way to do that than to have a Destin High School for our kids, grandkids … to leave a legacy.”
Destin High School is a tuition-free public charter school in its second year of operation. In addition to offering advanced and state-mandated core curriculum, DHS utilizes a place-based approach to learning that takes advantage of the local geography, industries, and community.
THE WEEKENDER
33 fun things to do in Destin-Fort Walton Beach
October 20, 2022 – City of Destin to Host Open House – Free – View
October 20, 2022 – Bubbly Baytowne – View
October 20, 2022 – Fatboys Miramar Trivia Night – View
October 21, 2022 – Building Industry Association’s 2022 Home Show – View
October 21, 2022 – Haunted Historic Destin Tour – $30.00 – View
October 22, 2022 – Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike – Fort Walton Beach – View
October 22, 2022 – Hallo-WINE Tasting at Twisted Grape! – $15.00 – View
October 22, 2022 – FWB Chamber Honors the Horse Soldiers of ODA 595 – – View
October 22, 2022 – MONSTER BASH – View
October 22, 2022 – The Bride of Frankenstein – View
October 22, 2022 – Phil Vassar – View
October 24, 2022 – Embroidery Demo Day – FREE – View
Looking ahead
October 25, 2022 – October Harvests Watercolor w/ Theresia McInnis – $27.00 – View
October 25, 2022 – 2nd Annual BBQ and Bingo – View
October 25, 2022 – Downtown Music Hall Presents: Genki Genki Panic LIVE – View
October 26, 2022 – C.A.R.E.ing for Turtles – $10 – View
October 26, 2022 – Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View
October 27, 2022 – Halloween Linocut w/ Chris McLoone – $55.00 – View
October 27, 2022 – Throwback Thursday Cinema at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View
October 28, 2022 – Super Sew Day – Free – View
October 28, 2022 – Destin Commons Halloween Haunt – View
October 28, 2022 – Ron Adams | Johnny Cash & Elvis Tribute + Halloween Costume Contest! – View
October 28, 2022 – Boo’s & Booze – View
October 29, 2022 – Cosmic Vibrations Music Festival – $75 – View
October 29, 2022 – MKAF 27th Annual Festival of the Arts – View
October 29, 2022 – 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament & Fall Festival – View
October 29, 2022 – Impasto/Thick Acrylic for Beginners w/ Tamika Thomas – $57.50 – View
October 29, 2022 – Trinity UMC Trunk-or-Treat 2022 – Free – View
October 29, 2022 – Boo At The Beach – Free – View
October 29, 2022 – Rad-O-Ween – View
October 29, 2022 – Halloween Costume Party at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge – View
October 31, 2022 – TRICKS & TREASURES AT THE BOARDWALK – View
October 31, 2022 – Trick or Treat Street – Free – View
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Thursday!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
