Honored guests enjoyed fresh & grilled oysters, calamari, shrimp, mahi mahi and more during Thursday’s event.
In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Scooter’s Fish House in Navarre hosted a May 21 luncheon to show its appreciation for local military heroes and advocates.
“I’m in awe of everything you’ve done,” John Poates, owner of Scooter’s Fish House, said, noting it was a heartfelt token of his appreciation.
DIstinguished guests included USAF Col. Craig J. Walker (Ret.), who will be installed in the Air Commando Hall of Fame next month, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for refusing to withdraw AC-130 Gunship cover for an ambushed Special Forces Team despite surface-to-air missile engagements and heavy ground fire during the War in Afghanistan.
USAF CCT Bart Decker (Ret.), was part of Operation Enduring Freedom’s Task Force Dagger, a joint special operations team consisting of Green Berets from the 5th Special Forces Group, aircrew members from the 160th Special Operations and Air Force Combat Controllers.
This photo of Decker was the inspiration for the Horse Soldier monument at One World Trade Center in New York City. United States Special Operations Command photo.
Jack McMullen, CMSgt. (Ret.), who served as the commandant of the Combat Control School, earned the Bronze Star with Valor for his action during the Battle of Mogadishu.
Also attending were leaders of American Legion Post 382 and its auxiliary, which have grown to more than 600 members and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support area veterans and those in need: Sonny Decker, judge advocate; Jessie Otten, incoming Commander; Tracy Bragg, auxiliary president; and Tina Hernandez, legion riders director.
