Guest Stories: Return of the Frogmen (and Friends)
While neighboring Fort Pierce is the site of the country’s only dedicated National Navy SEAL Museum, South Beach Place is where a special group of veterans returned to get some well-deserved R&R during a weekend of celebration and commemoration for our country’s elite military personnel.
James Warmack, Rick Rising-Moore, Tom Bechtel, Donald Tocci, Tom Schmitt, Bryce Hullett, Larry Wapnick
The theme of the 37th Annual Muster and Music Festival was Legends and Legacy, “honoring the 50th anniversary of a mission that marks the only time in modern history that the Medal of Honor was awarded in combat action to a warrior who saved the life of another Medal of Honor recipient.” With the event just days before Veterans Day, this tribute surely touched the hearts of attendants and, amidst the revelry, served as a somber but necessary reminder of the sacrifice and dedication of our nation’s best and bravest.
James Warmack (foreground) and Bryce Hullett
Rick Rising-Moore and Bryce Hullett
While at South Beach Place, the retired SEALS and their brothers in arms from the US Army and US Navy spent quality time with each other and their wives, puffing on cigars in the garden, keeping a close eye on their Powerball tickets for the $2 billion dollar jackpot, and saluting us with a happy hour beverage in hand and a warm smile each afternoon as we closed the office.
Foreground: James Warmack proudly sporting his “Frogman” shirt
After a weekend of fun and relaxation, the weather reports became urgent, putting Vero Beach and the surrounding Treasure Coast squarely in the path of a growing tropical storm system that would strengthen into Cat. 1 Hurricane Nicole. Unfazed by the approaching storm and grounded flights, Don Tocci and his wife rode out the storm with us. Luckily, Nicole was no match for our sturdy, midcentury fortress and everything turned out fine!
Left to right: James Warmack, Rick Rising-Moore, Tom Bechtel, Donald Tocci, Tom Smith, Bryce Hullett
Gentlemen, thank you for your service. It’s an honor and a pleasure to host you and your families and we look forward to seeing you all again next year!
