YMCA of South Florida Hosts 11th Annual Veterans Day Salute with Decorated Navy SEAL Speaker

The YMCA of South Florida, in partnership with the City of Weston, will host its 11th annual Veterans Day Salute featuring decorated Navy SEAL veteran Robert O'Neill as keynote speaker. This community event honors current and former military members and demonstrates the ongoing commitment to supporting veterans in a state that hosts nearly 10% of the nation's 19.1 million veterans, representing the third largest veteran population in the United States according to data from the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Robert O'Neill brings significant military credentials to the event, having served eight years on SEAL Team Six where he led and participated in more than 400 missions worldwide. His notable operations include rescuing Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates, an event depicted in the film "Captain Phillips," and aiding in the rescue of "Lone Survivor" Marcus Luttrell. O'Neill also participated in the mission that brought down Osama bin Laden and has received 53 military decorations, including two Silver Stars and four Bronze Stars with Valor.

YMCA of South Florida President and CEO Sheryl A. Woods emphasized the importance of the annual celebration, stating, "Celebrating Veterans Day every year is very special for us, and we are honored to once again host this heartwarming salute to all military personnel and their families. This is an extraordinary celebration of the brave men and women, past and present, who serve our country." The event typically attracts more than 500 community leaders and veterans, with all attending veterans receiving special gifts including challenge coins.

The significance of this event extends beyond the annual celebration, reflecting the YMCA's century-long commitment to supporting service members and their families dating back to World War I. Over the past six years, the YMCA of South Florida has provided more than $860,000 in financial assistance to military members through various programs. The organization's military membership program offers families opportunities to spend quality time together, connect with other military families, and access membership offerings in a supportive environment.

Additional military benefits provided by the YMCA include employment and volunteer opportunities, facility usage for training purposes, health and wellness seminars, and cross-promotion of shared resources available through https://ymcasouthflorida.org/veterans-day-salute. The event receives substantial community support with Milner Technologies as presenting sponsor and additional sponsorship from organizations including Fision by Hotwire Communications as Keynote Sponsor, the City of Weston as Partnership Sponsor, and Bonaventure Town Center Club as Host Sponsor. Multiple platinum, gold, silver, and bronze sponsors contribute to making the annual salute possible, reflecting broad community engagement in honoring military service members and their families.