The SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation http://www.sealnswff.org fundraising event May 3 in laid-back Santa Monica exceeded the collective high expectations of the 1,000 guests.  Personally, they had us as we passed through the camo-netting covered portal entering the beautiful sand beach of the Jonathan Club. The exclusive beach club never rents out their facilities but in a wonderful act of generosity (to be the theme of the evening) they provided the facilities without any cost to the NSWFF.

In true LA fashion there were celebrities, high-end booze, outstanding food, a beautiful beach setting caressed by perfect weather, overt and covert security, a book signing, live and silent auctions, very cool technology and the cutest service-puppies-in-training  you will ever see.  And this was all before the festivities began.

Throw in a boy band, Vaja belting out a heart-felt Star Spangled Banner, the USC Marching Band and a dozen former Navy Seals parachuting onto the beach in front of us, one with a 2,500 square foot American flag, and you get a hint of the excitement of the event that raised $3,000,000 for the foundation.

People were generous for a wonderful cause and at times we could not help but wonder if the event could ever have occurred in our home San Francisco Bay Area.   It’s not that there is a lack of wealthy donors nor a suitable stunningly beautiful venue.  And there are enough patriotic folks to make up a 1,000 seat audience.  No, it is more about political correctness.  How so?  Sniper rifles.  Yes, a couple of sniper rifles that were auctioned off at $150,000 each.  Or maybe even the 3’ by 5’ $1,000,000 check donated  by Michael Liberty purportedly written on a cut out part of a “Jihadist Tent”.  Let the public debate begin!  No matter, it happened in the progressive enclave of Santa Monica and all was right with the world for a few short hours.

We had two questions before the event.  First, why do the SEALs need help with their families?  That question was answered here http://www.sealnswff.org/programs/. Second, why is the government not taking better care of the SEALs?  That question remains unanswered.  However, private individuals and companies dug deep and did the right thing for the SEALs families, again.  Well done.