Never Forgotten: OPFOB’s Dinner for the Heroes Honors a Generation of Service

Operation Patriots FOB’s Dinner for the Heroes reminds us all of the price of liberty

STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN

Twenty-five years ago, everything changed.

What those hateful acts of 9/11 did to our country can never be understated, fully understood or forgotten. But one aspect of that dreadful day’s impact that often goes unexplored is the generation that answered the call when our nation needed them most. Moved by images on TV and memories of those lost in the attacks, they signed up to serve, ready to sacrifice during the decades of war that followed.

Few can understand those who stood up in our darkest hours like those men and women themselves. We can try, but ultimately it’s a language they alone speak.

Operation Patriots FOB was formed to take that connection and turn it into something positive: to give these brave warriors a place to come together after their war is over, meet with others who had also prepared themselves to give all in the cause of freedom and realize that they are not alone.

Former NFL player and three-time Super Bowl winner Bart Oates has seen firsthand how OPFOB can reach veterans and serve them through shared experience.

“My son is a veteran of the 82nd Airborne and after meeting with OPFOB, they invited us both down to visit. We spent a weekend at the FOB, and the outreach, the way they just help these guys, is amazing. I saw my son relax because he was around people with common experiences,” said Oates. “People come back from war, and even if they are physically unscathed, there are a lot of emotional issues. And there’s a comfort and familiarity at OPFOB. They were all complete strangers, but there was this automatic connection and friendship. It really resonated with me.”

Oates will share his experiences as the keynote speaker during OPFOB’s fifth annual Dinner for the Heroes on Nov. 7, which this year doubles as a solemn remembrance of 25 years since the 9/11 attacks. Oates has a close connection to New York City, having spent eight of his 11 years in the NFL as a center with the Giants, bringing home two Lombardi trophies. Like many of us, he watched the towers come down on TV and then watched his child go off to fight.

“I’m not the guy who was at Ground Zero. I didn’t go to Iraq. I played football. But I think I represent the majority of Americans who have appreciation and respect for everyone who was involved,” he said. “We didn’t know if he was going to come back or not. We just knew he was in harm’s way, so we just relied on our faith.”

Oates’ perspective as a parent will inform his keynote speech and add to an evening that will also feature guest of honor and Medal of Honor recipient Maj. James Capers Jr., USMC (Ret.). Held at “The FOB,” the organization’s private retreat in Ridgeland, the event raises funds to support its mission to prevent veteran and first responder suicide by restoring purpose, building community and creating lifelong connections.

This year’s Dinner for the Heroes also serves as a tribute to one OPFOB volunteer who has always gone above and beyond.

“Craig Ostergard really brought this dinner to the table for us. It’s his signature event. He always led the charge in terms of sponsorships and programming, really getting into the nitty-gritty details. We’re taking this on for the first year without his leadership, so we wanted to honor what he did for this event,” said Stephanie Brown, founder and CMO of OPFOB.

Now called the Craig Ostergard 5th Annual Dinner for the Heroes, the event will still count Craig among its presenting sponsors, along with his wife, Andra, as well as Robin Howell, John and Diane Hynes, and Hilton Head BMW.

“This is our fifth one, and it’s grown every year,” said Brown. “We’re already at capacity.”

To learn more about OPFOB’s mission and lend your support to the heroes who came back changed by their sacrifices, visit opfob.org.

Save the Date

The Craig Ostergard 5th Annual Dinner for the Heroes

When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

Where: Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa

Details: $300 per person. Special guest Maj. James Capers Jr., USMC (Ret.), is a Vietnam War veteran and the most recent recipient of the Medal of Honor. Former NFL player and three-time Super Bowl champion Bart Oates will deliver the keynote address. opfob.org