Monthly News and Intel | October 2024

From the Chief Executive Officer

Dear Museum Supporters,

Fort Pierce, along with the entire state of Florida, is getting ready to endure the impact of Hurricane Milton as I write this. The Florida team is prepared for whatever comes our way. Everything that can move has been tied down or put away. Special flood barriers were put in place around the Museum to prevent or mitigate any storm surge. All Floridians know hurricanes are a fact of life in our great state, and we will thrive regardless of what Milton throws at us. Imagine our original Frogmen, the Naval Combat Demolition Units, living in tents along the coast of Fort Pierce with no air conditioning or insect control, dealing with the exact same conditions as they trained for D-day.

We are ready. Thank you for your unwavering support.

Very Respectfully,
Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser, USN (Ret.)
Chief Executive Officer, Navy SEAL Museum

Updated to report the Museum is grateful to have avoided damage from the hurricane or accompanying tornados. Many others in the area were not as fortunate. Our thoughts are with our friends and neighbors who endured great loss and devastation.

New Graphics Adorn the Front Doors

modern day. The vibrant visuals depict a patriotic display, inspiring visitors, but also serving as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that defines this distinguished group. These new front door graphics set a foundational tone for a reverent, engaging, and immersive experience inside the Museum.

Thank You, SEAL Team Cincinnati

With the utmost gratitude, we want to extend our thanks to the generous committee who hosted the Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio on September 6 and 7. The weekend was a wild success with a special sporting clay shoot and luncheon, followed by a reception at the home of Beth and Dan Feldkamp. Additionally, a second day of support was hosted by Lorraine and Joe Mayernik that included an amazing dinner and auction.

Only with the enthusiasm and generosity of our supporters around the country can we carry out our mission. This event would not have been possible without our champions Leela and Madhu Vrishabhendra. Many thanks to the Vrishabhendras and their committee of this inaugural event: Anina and David Budig; Beth and Dan Feldkamp; Carol and Doug Marsh; Lorraine and Joe Mayernik; Shelby and Steve Misleh; Shelley and Erik Mueller; Jennifer and Mike Munafo; Barb and Ken Rinehart; Nicole and Joe Stonitsch; and Meg and Paul Tarvin.

Frogmen Lead from The Front

On October 7, 2024, Navy SEAL Museum San Diego launched the Plank Owner BUD/S Class Campaign. The objective of the Plank Owner BUD/S Class Campaign is to encourage 200 or more BUD/S Classes to raise $5,000. The Museum is asking our Frogmen to pledge their support and lead from the front in helping to build the Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego.

The support of every Frogman, no matter where they live, is critical to our fundraising efforts and ensuring our long-term mission success.

This initiative is open to anyone–not just our Frogmen! Contributors do not have to be SEALs or related to SEALs to donate. Gifts can be made by loved ones, Classmates, and friends to pay tribute to an individual or BUD/S Class. A gift made in honor or in memory is an extremely meaningful way to show your support. Your gift in any amount will be added to the total goal for the BUD/S Class you designate.

For every donation the following recognition will be provided:

• • Your name, presented in alphabetical order with Class Number, will be listed on the Plank Owner BUD/S Class Campaign Webpage at www.navysealmuseumsd.org/plankowner/.
  • Your gift amount will count toward the designated BUD/S Class total tally. When a Class reaches the $5,000 goal, the Class Number will be etched into the granite pillar which holds the bronze Navy SEAL Sculpture. The Sculpture will be placed in a prominent location directly outside the Navy SEAL Museum on Kettner Blvd. in San Diego.
  • For those individuals who give a gift of $10,000 or more, your name or family name will also be presented on the exquisite Donor Wall of Honor located on the first level inside the Museum and your designated BUD/S Class Number will be featured on the bronze sculpture.

HOOYAH! Help us build Navy SEAL Museum San Diego. CLICK HERE.

FROG FATHERS is Offered Again

Each showing will be followed by a special Question and Answer session hosted by retired Navy SEAL Steve Gonzalez, who participated in the documentary. Read more here:

https://www.navysealmuseum.org/frogfathers

Seating is strictly limited. Reservations are required in advance.

RSVP to elaine@navysealmuseum.org now to secure your seat for 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM.

Muster Must Be Upon Us

The Navy SEAL Museum is proud to host the 39th Annual Muster, a cherished tradition that brings together all branches of military, veterans, families, and patriotic supporters from around the country. Scheduled for November 1 and 2, this year’s event highlights the Strategic Partners who have supported SEAL operations since 1962. Muster is a time for everyone to gather to celebrate our veterans. We honor the legacy of Navy SEALs and their predecessors, their great sacrifices, and their continued commitment to defending our freedom.

The exciting lineup of events begins with the Membership Dinner Friday night. Members are always free. Open to the public, nonmembers must

purchase dinner tickets. All dinner tickets must be purchased in advance online here: https://www.navysealmuseum.org/muster-dinner-rsvp

Start your Muster Saturday by joining us for the 20th Annual Muster 5K Beach Challenge. We love that we are 20 years strong, and we love this year’s shirt design! We encourage participants of all ages to get involved and help support the Museum’s Mission with this fun run. Signup online now:

https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/FortPierce/Muster5KBeachChallenge

Following the 5K, our official Muster ceremony begins at 11:00 AM with honored keynote speaker Captain (SEAL) Rick Woolard, USN (Ret.). Captain Woolard will speak about his experience with and gratitude for Strategic Partners during his illustrious career in the SEAL Teams.

Speaking of Strategic Partners, we will be dedicating a special UH-1B Huey helicopter, recently refurbished for the Museum’s permanent collection. This aircraft was flown by Seawolves in Vietnam. Some of these esteemed men will also be in attendance at Muster–the same ones who flew this very Huey! We love a great reunion, and we are grateful for our donors who made possible the refurbishment of this Huey.

Navy SEAL tactical demonstrations are always a highlight of Muster, showcasing real-world skills and training in action. Guests will enjoy a high-energy, tactical demonstration, including a dynamic K9 component. This year’s historic display emphasizes the importance of Strategic Partners, offering a rare glimpse into the techniques and expertise of America’s elite warriors and their force multipliers.

Muster 39 will give guests the opportunity to interact with retired SEALs and other military leaders, sharing their experiences and insights on leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Special photo opportunities abound. Visitors can also explore the Museum’s extensive exhibits at a reduced Muster rate. More information can be found here:

https://www.navysealmuseum.org/muster

Food vendors, live music, a mobile bar, and family-friendly activities create a festive, patriotic atmosphere only Muster can deliver from the very beaches where Naval Special Warfare was born. Don’t miss this memorable event for the entire community–and beyond.

For those who would like to give back, the Muster offers opportunities to purchase exclusive Muster merchandise. Your purchase helps support the Museum’s Mission.