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A Celebration of Patriotism and Bravery
to honor our Military Personnel
10th Annual Support Our Troops Luncheon

The 10th annual Support Our Troops Luncheon was held on September 8, 2011 at Windows on The River.

Support our Troops and Flight 93 banners

This year, which also marks the 10th Anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, the luncheon had a very special keynote speaker, Mr. David Beamer. Mr. Beamer is the father of Todd Beamer. Todd is the young man who rallied the passengers of United Flight 93 together with his cry "Are you guys ready? Let's roll!"

The plane had been hijacked by terrorists and was being aimed at a target of national impact with the certain deaths of thousands of people. Todd conferred with the other passengers and called them to action with the famous words that became the war cry for all the brave men and women fighting al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Peggy and David Beamer

Peggy and David Beamer


Mr. Beamer, who was accompanied by his wife, Peggy, spoke passionately and without equivocation on the heroism of the forty passengers and crew who were murdered by the terrorists on September 11, 2001. They successfully kept the terrorist from achieving their goal by bringing the plane down in Shanksville Pennsylvania. There is no doubt thousands of lives were saved by their actions.

In this first video segment, David Beamer warns how the enemy is infiltrating us and how it upsets him that no prayer will be allowed at Ground Zero but a 'victory symbol" mosque will be built there - with taxpayer money.

Next Mr Beamer told how we all have a responsibility to fight terrorists and that 'denial is a bad strategy.' Mr beamer recommended the following two books to give more information on the extremist Muslim approach: The Third Choice: Islam, Dhimmitude and Freedom and Sharia Law for Non-Muslims.

In the last video, David Beamer told how after Bin Laden was killed, the President went to New York and the Vice-President to Washington DC for ceremonies. But nobody went to Shanksville, PA. Mr. Beamer spoke of his goal to have a memorial built in Shanskville noting that there is a memorial in both New York and at the Pentagon. He asks that very person donate one hours pay one time to the memorial.

The Halo Foundation in Akron is also raising funds for the Memorial. Their goal is to have each person donate "93 cents for Flight 93". You can help remember Flight 93 and support the Memorial by visiting the Flight 93 Memorial website.

Also speaking at the event was Bob Hope, nephew of the late comedian. Mr. Hope is the President of the Board of Directors of USO of Northern Ohio. Just recently a brand new Bob Hope USO Lounge was opened at Hopkins Airport, being one of two in the country allowed to use the Bob Hope name. (The other being at LAX in Los Angeles.)

Bob Hope

Bob Hope

Mr. Hope told us that his uncle, who received thousands of awards and honors in his lifetime cherished one more than any other. By an act of Congress, he became the country's one and only "Honorary Veteran".

Bob Hope speaking in Cleveland

Bob Hope


Retired WKYC news anchor Tom Sweeney also spoke, talking about the Greater Cleveland Fisher House Foundation. Fisher Houses around the country provide lodging and support to families of veterans being treated at the Veterans Hospital.

WKYC News anchor Tom Sweeney

Tom Sweeney


Sweeney recalled an old WWII song which said "We will wait for them and pray for them until they all come home." He added a line of his own "and if they are broken we will fix them."

Tom Sweeney

He says this is an oath between those who served and those who were served.

In addition to lunch and the inspiring speakers, there was a silent auction, with many great donations to benefit Support Our Troops. The co-chairs Lucy Stickan and Sally Florkiewicz did a remarkable job and are to be commended for their tireless efforts on behalf of our Military.

10th Annual Support Our Troops Luncheon co-chairs Sally Florkiewicz and Lucy Stickan

Event co-chairs Sally Florkiewicz and Lucy Stickan


Enjoy these photos (by Debbie Hanson) from this important event.

RVCC Color Guard - Vincent Fraciolo, Joseph J. Biel, Ed Morrow,  Marty Drabek and Skip Engel

RVCC Color Guard - Vincent Fraciolo, Joseph J. Biel, Ed Morrow,
Marty Drabek and Skip Engel


Bill Willoughby, Lucy Stickan and Lt. Colonel David Barlet

Bill Willoughby, Lucy Stickan and Lt. Colonel David Barlet.
Mr Willoughby led the Pledge of Allegiance.


Tampa Murphy led the Star Spangled Banner

Tampa Murphy led the Star Spangled Banner

Tampa Murphy led the Star Spangled Banner


Rob Frost gave a welcome and invocation

Rob Frost gave a welcome and invocation


David Beamer giving keynote address

David Beamer giving keynote address


Susan Deitrick and Bob Hope

Susan Deitrick and Bob Hope


Matt Dolan, Dan Carter and Fr. Howard Humphrey

Matt Dolan, Dan Carter and Fr. Howard Humphrey
Fr. Humphrey gave the Benediction and
Dan Carter gave concluding remarks


Susan Rodman, Lauren LaJoe and Karen LaJoe

Susan Rodman, Lauren LaJoe and Karen LaJoe


Diana Chrien, Pam Lange and Lucy Stickan

Diana Chrien, Pam Lange and Lucy Stickan


Betty Sullivan and Marine Mom Michelle Ek

Betty Sullivan and Marine Mom Michelle Ek


Back row Rosie Jovic, Cassie Gaffney, Judy K. Zamlen-Spots  Front row Susan Jovic, Mary Spada and Senator Grace Drake

Back row: Rosie Jovic, Cassie Gaffney, Judy K. Zamlen-Spots
Front row: Susan Jovic, Mary Spada and Senator Grace Drake


Bill and Ann Cull with Dan O'Brien

Bill and Ann Cull with Dan O'Brien


Joe Kuly, Tammy Puff and Ann Marie Mills

Joe Kuly, Tammy Puff and Ann Marie Mills


Judge Kathleen Satula and Irene Morrow

Judge Kathleen Satula and Irene Morrow


Sondra McCarhty checks out the Silent Auction

Sondra McCarthy checks out the Silent Auction


Rep. Patrick Sweeney

Rep. Patrick Sweeney


David Beamer and Lucy Stickan

David Beamer and Lucy Stickan


Bob Hope, Marilyn Bush and Marvin Piniles

Bob Hope, Marilyn Bush and Marvin Piniles


Monica Hunter and Lucille Mayer

Monica Hunter and Lucille Mayer


Tammy Puff, Sharon Gingerich and Michelle Stys

Tammy Puff, Sharon Gingerich and Michelle Stys


Tom Sweeney and Lucy Stickan

Tom Sweeney and Lucy Stickan


Table at Windows on the River


USO 70th Anniversary

USO of Northern Ohio 70th Anniversary


Heroes of Flight 93

Heroes of Flight 93


co-chairs Sally Florkiewicz and Lucy Stickan flank Bob Hope

Co-chairs Sally Florkiewicz and Lucy Stickan with Bob Hope


9-11-2001 banner



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