Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 23, 2025

YMCA Honors Veterans with Navy SEAL Robert O'Neill at 11th Annual Salute

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Original Source

TLDR

  • The YMCA's Veterans Day Salute offers networking opportunities with 500+ community leaders and veterans, providing valuable connections for professional advancement.
  • The YMCA of South Florida organizes its 11th annual Veterans Day Salute on November 7 at Bonaventure Town Center Club, featuring keynote speaker Robert O'Neill and special gifts for veterans.
  • This event honors military service members and their families while the YMCA has provided $860,000 in financial assistance to support veterans in South Florida communities.
  • Hear Navy SEAL Robert O'Neill share stories from 400 missions including rescuing Captain Phillips and the Osama bin Laden operation.

Impact - Why it Matters

This event highlights the critical importance of community recognition for military service members and their families, particularly in Florida which hosts the nation's third largest veteran population. Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the YMCA's substantial financial support and membership programs demonstrate tangible commitment to veteran welfare. Such community-based recognition helps bridge the civilian-military divide, fosters understanding of service sacrifices, and provides meaningful support systems for veterans transitioning to civilian life. In an era where many veterans face challenges including employment barriers and mental health concerns, community events like this serve as vital connectors between military families and civilian support networks, reinforcing the social contract between those who serve and the communities they protect.

Summary

The YMCA of South Florida, in partnership with the City of Weston, is hosting its 11th annual Veterans Day Salute on Friday, November 7 from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Bonaventure Town Center Club in Weston. This significant community event, presented by Milner Technologies, will honor both former and current military members with a special breakfast gathering expected to draw over 500 community leaders and veterans. The ceremony gains particular distinction from this year's keynote speaker, Robert O'Neill, a legendary Navy SEAL and decorated combat veteran who served eight years on SEAL Team Six and participated in more than 400 missions worldwide, including the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates and the operation that brought down Osama bin Laden.

YMCA of South Florida President and CEO Sheryl A. Woods emphasized the importance of this annual celebration, stating it represents "an extraordinary celebration of the brave men and women, past and present, who serve our country." The event's significance is underscored by Florida's substantial veteran population, with nearly 10% of the nation's 19.1 million veterans residing in the state, making it the third largest veteran population nationwide. All attending veterans will receive special gifts including challenge coins, while the YMCA's longstanding commitment to military families is demonstrated through more than $860,000 in financial assistance provided to military members over the past six years and comprehensive military membership benefits that facilitate family bonding and community support.

The Veterans Day Salute enjoys robust community support from numerous sponsors, including Keynote Sponsor Fision by Hotwire Communications, Partnership Sponsor The City of Weston, and Host Sponsor Bonaventure Town Center Club. Additional support comes from Platinum Sponsors such as Brown & Brown Insurance, Fifth Third Bank, Rick Case Automotive Group, Spirit Airlines, and Verizon, along with multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors representing diverse business sectors. This broad sponsorship base reflects the community's collective appreciation for military service members and their families. For those seeking additional information about this meaningful Veterans Day Salute, details are available through the YMCA's dedicated event website or by contacting event coordinator Aimee Fretwell directly.

Source Statement

This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, YMCA Honors Veterans with Navy SEAL Robert O'Neill at 11th Annual Salute

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