FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce will host a special Honoring Our Heroes event on Saturday, Feb. 28, commemorating the 35th anniversary of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, according to the Chamber.
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The event will be held at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center, with doors opening at 5:00 p.m. and the program beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The evening will prominently feature Gen. Charles Albert “Chuck” Horner as the special guest speaker. Gen. Horner played a central role in the Gulf War, leading coalition air operations during both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, helping shape modern military airpower.
Lt. Gen. Marshall B. “Brad” Webb will serve as master of ceremonies.
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Keynote speakers include Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, described by organizers as a principal architect of modern air campaigns, and Dr. John Andreas Olsen, an internationally recognized military historian and strategist.
According to event materials, the program will reflect on pivotal moments of the Gulf War era, including Task Force Normandy, the hunt for SCUD missiles, the Battle of Khafji, and other joint operations, while also highlighting local veterans’ stories and firsthand perspectives.
“For the past 15 years, our Chamber has been proud to honor local military heroes while helping our community better understand the history behind their service,” said Ted Corcoran, CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.
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“The Desert Storm commemoration is especially meaningful to me. Many Chamber members served during this time, and they are people I now know personally and consider true heroes. This event will honor their service while continuing to educate our community about our nation’s role in global conflicts.”
General admission tickets are $35 and include a dinner buffet. Registration is available through the Chamber’s website.
The event is sponsored by Odyssey, Eglin Federal Credit Union, BitWizards, Florida Power and Light, Okaloosa Gas District, FastSigns, Thrive Wellness, Forever Warriors, Boeing, and Live Oak Fiber.
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center is at 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547.
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