Operation SEAs The Day Honored By Governor Carney
Operation SEAs The Day was honored by Governor John Carney with the 2017 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award! “Delaware’s volunteers demonstrate how their selfless actions help to bring us closer together and enhance our sense of community”, said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the State Office of Volunteerism.
Operation SEAs The Day will be honored in the Veterans & Military Families category. Now in its fifth year, “Operation SEAs The Day” is an annual event held in Bethany Beach for veterans who are recovering from injuries sustained while serving our country and their families. During the week after Labor Day, Bethany Beach hosts 32 VIF’s (Very Important Families) for a well-deserved week of rest, relaxation and fun. The families stay in homes donated by local homeowners and are provided with the resources to experience the best of Bethany and nearby attractions. Each Operation SEAs the Day week is meticulously planned by an all-volunteer Board of Directors who spend almost 3,000 hours each year arranging the week-long event. The week includes a kick-off reception, beach bonfire/cookout, Hero’s Welcome Home/Thank You parade, a concert at Freeman Stage, boating, therapeutic horseback riding, stand-up paddle lessons, golf, tennis, a spa day for ladies, children luncheons, caregiver coffees, and a farewell brunch. Local businesses and area residents add to the “menu” of activities, all exclusively available to the veterans and their families, free of charge. Operation SEAs The Day is truly an area-wide Community event honoring and thanking brave American veteran families!
The Board of Operation SEAs The Day view the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award as a Community Award. One deserved by every volunteer who generously gives their time as true patriots honoring these deserving American Military families. On October 25, Operation SEAs The Day Board was honored for their outstanding service at Dover Downs Hotel. Information on the event is available on www.volunterrdelaware.org.
A recent note from the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes hearing about the OSTD Volunteerism award – “Congratulations to Operation SEAs The Day on your recognition by the State of Delaware. It is much deserved. You have forever touched the very souls of our veterans and their families. You have helped restore lives, and hope in all that is humane. Thank you for all you do!”
CONGRATULATIONS to all of Bethany Beach and Surrounding communities!