On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted a historical event honoring 10 Horse Soldiers of ODA 595. The 12 U.S. Army Green Berets, along with two U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airmen, known for their heroic efforts in response to the 9/11 attacks on our country, were made famous by their depiction in the movie “12 Strong” and the Emmy-nominated documentary Legion of Brothers. Also, A monument to their honor was erected at Ground Zero in New York City called America’s Response Monument.
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, a 12-man team of U.S. Army Green Berets (ODA595) inserted deep in northern Afghanistan to aid local partisans in their unconventional war against the Taliban. Over a course of two months, the Green Berets advised Afghan commanders and directed a massive air campaign to rout the Taliban from power. It was the most successful unconventional warfare campaign in modern history. The Americans were dubbed “The Horse Soldiers” by Western media reporting on their triumphs.
The event was held at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds and featured an impressive lineup of speakers and special guests. A cup ceremony, reminiscent of the Doolittle Raiders goblet ceremony, paid tribute to the Horse Soldiers and set in motion a new tradition of honoring those who answer our nation’s call.
“The United States of America has been attacked twice: Pearl Harbor with the first group to retaliate -The Doolittle Raiders. September 11, 2001— ODA 595 was the first in Afghanistan to defend OUR Country. Brave Bombers. Heroic Horsemen. The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce has now had the pleasure of hosting the final Doolittle Raider reunion in 2013; the Doolittle Raider final goblet ceremony on April 18, 2022—and created the first public reunion of ODA 595—The ‘Twelve Strong’ Horse Soldiers of Afghanistan. Having these military heroes in our community was incredible. They were welcomed in grand fashion by the Host Hotel—The Island Resort/Okaloosa Island—and by their Chamber member sponsors,” said Ted Corcoran IOM, President/CEO, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“Although each member of the ODA knew we were going to issue them canteen cups to start their Annual ‘Toast’ tradition (like the Doolittle Raiders), I don’t believe any of us understand the magnitude of what that meant to them, their families—and those who were there. It was truly an amazing moment to hear them toast their fallen friend, Bill Bennett (who was KIA in Iraq in 2003), and then the team. The sterling silver canteen cups created by The Bohlin Company (Dallas, Texas) are amazing works of art—and the exquisite case made locally by Specialty Woodworks of Destin—will be on display at the 5th Special Forces Group Heritage Room at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. It was another pinnacle event that our Chamber and Community worked collaboratively to make happen. We will simply never forget it,” Ted said.
Saturday’s event was the end of four days of events and experiences organized by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. The week included a commemorative beer can release at Props Brewery, a sponsor dinner, family photos on the beach and a charter fishing trip. Representative Patt Maney said, “We hope the Horse Soldiers and their families feel the warmth of our welcome and hospitality.”
Speakers and guests included Representative Patt Maney, a historic recap as told by Ted Corcoran, poster artist Elia Saxer, Alex Hernandez, Glenn Thomas, Lt. Colonel Rich Cole, Dave Marold, Nick Mallette, and 10 of the 11 surviving Horse Soldiers of ODA 595.
This momentous event would not have been possible without the generous support of these community sponsors: Bit-Wizards, Step One Automotive Group, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Emerald Coast Harley Davidson, Florida Power & Light, Okaloosa Gas District, Image Printing, the Manor at Bluewater Bay, Vertex Solutions, The Boeing Company, TalkingParents, Bank of England Mortgage, thrIVe Wellness, and Horse Soldier Bourbon. For more information about future events and chamber membership, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
