Operation Second Chance
October 2009
From Left to Right: Cindy McGrew (President of Operation Second Chance), Max Poyer, Taylor Banks, Carlos Martinez, Jr., Keith Maul and Wife, Travis Sigmon
In what we hope is a continuing series of events, the second visit of wounded American heroes…young men recently returned from service in Iraq and Afghanistan, came to pass this week in Tequesta. Through the incredible generosity of some of Jupiter and Tequesta’s finest citizens, companies, public servants, and our American Legion Post 271, five (5) seriously wounded Soldiers and Marines and their wives were given a break from their rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Hospital and Bethesda Naval Hospital and spend this past week with us.
Max Poyer, Taylor Banks, Carlos Martinez, Jr., Keith Maul and Travis Sigmon were on this visit and were treated to BBQ’s, charter fishing, ocean cruises, limo service and just a ton of “R and R”. Our chef Bill pulled off a masterpiece of a baked stuffed lobster dinner along with his award-winning clam chowder to treat and thank these wonderful young men for their service to our Country. On Tuesday evening, Commander Ken Rourke hosted a party, catered by Tequesta’s Saggio’s Restaurant…everyone loved the food, and made special presentations to each of these fine young men. Tequesta Police Chief Will McCollom made them all “Honorary Officers” with Tequesta Police Department hats, Fire Chief Jim Weinand used heroic efforts to coordinate having Hall-of-Fame quarterback Bob Greise of the Miami Dolphins autograph an NFL football for each of them. First Vice Commander Sean Dennehy made a presentation of cigars, humidors and accessories from Tequesta’s Smoke Inn, and Charlie Peters…our own Gunny Sergeant, delivered beautiful hard-bound books detailing the stories of Congressional Medal-of-Honor awardees.
During the week the wives were pampered with a SPA DAY and were treated to facials and hair and nail treatments. Betsy Textor of Dermajuv and our Post along with Event Coordinator, Mary Hinton, made this miracle happen.
Special thanks go to our Ladies Auxiliary for their beautiful welcoming gift baskets and to Carol Dehne for all of her hard work in helping to coordinate this visit.
Councilman Jim Humpage, Tequesta Mayor Pat Watkins, Village Manager Mike Couzzo and Councilman Vince Arena also attended the send-off party that Post 271 hosted and we thank them all for their support.
Bob Markin
Finance Officer