Social Seens... Photography by Noraa
Salute to Special Operations Forces
The Special Operations Warrior Foundation celebrated the warrior spirit of the men and women of the United States Special
Operations Command and their families at this event in Tampa, which was emceed by the Honorable Jed Babbin, a military and
foreign affairs analyst, and attended by more than 700 guests. The distinguished television journalist and author Tom Brokaw gave
an emotional keynote speech that drew a standing ovation. Since 1980, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation has provided
support and assistance to our country’s 70,000 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel.
Angels Against Abuse
The 10th annual Blue Ribbon Gala to benefit Angels Against Abuse, held at the Hilton Carillon Park Hotel in St. Petersburg,
raised funds to help support innocent children who have been the unfortunate victims of abuse and neglect. Sandy Kearney, the
president of Angels Against Abuse, announced the 2017 Archangel Hall of Fame Inductees, Allen and Sarah Keesler, Paul Mathis
and Becky Hudson in recognition of their significant impact on the Angels’ mission.
Sandy Kearney, founder and chair of
the annual Blue Ribbon Gala to benefit
Angels Against Abuse, and her husband
John helped sponsor the fundraiser.
Merlina Joseph of the Pinellas County
Sheriff’s Office Child Protection
Investigation Division is thankful
for Angels Against Abuse’s efforts
162 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2017
to fight abuse.
Susie and Al Bennati were major
gala donors to help fight against the
neglect and abuse of children.
Dick Crippen was congratulated by
his wife Penny for receiving this year’s
Legacy Award from the Special Operations
Warrior Foundation in recognition of his
support of special operations warriors and
for his many charitable endeavors.
Marilyn Olson and her husband, retired
U.S. Navy Admiral Eric Olson, the eighth
Commander of the U.S. Special Operations
Command at MacDill Air Force Base, were
instrumental in arranging for Tom Brokaw
to speak at the event.
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn was thanked for
his support of the foundation by Aly Olson,
the director of development for the Special
Operations Warrior Foundation and daughter
of Admiral Eric and Marilyn Olson.
Photography by Connie Whitehead