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Task Force Dagger to be honored by Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce will host “Honoring Our Heroes: 9/11 America’s Response,” a tribute event dedicated to the U.S. Military’s Task Force Dagger, at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds. This year’s event aims to spotlight the heroism of Air Force Special Operations Command Special Tactics Airmen and aircrews […]

Members of ODA 595, part of Task Force Dagger, and Afghan forces ride into northern Afghanistan in October 2001 on horseback. (Master Sgt. Chris Spence, FOB-53/U.S. Army, United States Special Operations Command)

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce will host “Honoring Our Heroes: 9/11 America’s Response,” a tribute event dedicated to the U.S. Military’s Task Force Dagger, at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds.

This year’s event aims to spotlight the heroism of Air Force Special Operations Command Special Tactics Airmen and aircrews who were the first Airmen to step foot into Afghanistan less than a month after the terrorist attacks. 

  • Also hear from the first female gunship navigator to open fire in combat operations. 

“Celebrating and honoring the bravery of Task Force Dagger is not only vital for paying homage to our military heroes, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the values we hold dear in our community and as a nation.” said Maureen Bierman, 2023 Chairman of the Board, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. “We believe it’s an essential opportunity for our community to come together, reflect, and express our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices made on our behalf.”

Speakers at the event include Lieutenant General Marshall “Brad” Webb, USAF (retired); Col. Allison Black, and Col. Kurt Buller, USAF (Retired).

  • The event will conclude with a toast including the US Army Green Berets of Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 595, who were the spotlight of last year’s event and are returning as part of the Chamber’s tribute to America’s Heroes.

Tickets are priced at $75.00 per person and include dinner, beer, and wine. Corporate tables are also available but limited in quantity. Tickets can be purchased at FWBchamber.org or by calling 850-244-8191.  

“The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce has a long-standing tradition of hosting remarkable events, and this year’s banquet honoring Task Force Dagger is poised to be exceptionally memorable,” said Ted Corcoran, President/CEO, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not just an event but a historical reunion, bringing together 13 members of Task Force Dagger who played an instrumental role in the aftermath of 9/11.”

This event would not be possible without the generous support of these community sponsors: Bank of England Mortgage, Bit-Wizards, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Emerald Coast Harley Davidson, Fast Signs, Florida Power & Light, Horse Soldier Bourbon, Image Printing, Live Oak Fiber, Okaloosa Gas District, Step One Automotive Group, TalkingParents, The Boeing Company, The Manor at Bluewater Bay, thrIVe Wellness, and Vertex Solutions.

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