Friday, February 1, 2013

SWETT Warrior Weekend / Las Vegas Jan/2013

Several people have asked me about my recent trip to Las Vegas, and I admit, I was guilty of posting a bunch of pictures on FaceBook while ignoring this Blog.  So, let me correct that error here and now.


I was invited to attend the SWETT Warrior Foundation weekend held at the Cosmopolitan Hotel from 24 - 29 January.  My friend, Chris, attended with me as my guest (and with permission and encouragement from her husband!).  The event was designed to honor the Service and Sacrifice of our Service men and women wounded in action related to the Global War on Terrorism.  There were about 60 warriors and their guests.


Chris and I upon late (2135) arrival Thursday Night


The obligatory picture upon arrival - this was Chris' first visit to Las Vegas


As part of the trip we had a helicopter tour provided by Sundance Helicopters of LV - awesome despite the weather


Yes, we were guilty of mugging it up for the camera


Chris and I with John Ratzenberger of Cheers fame - great guy and huge supporter of the WIA's. Somewhere around this time frame I started earning the new nickname "Santa."  yeah, don't ask.



Colonel (Ret) Bruce Crandall, US Army, CMOH holder from the Vietnam era posed with us at the Helicopter event - we spent some time talking about our mutual time in Vietnam. A lifetime ago.


As part of our agenda we went to the CirqueDuSleil show Love - there were restrictions on no picture taking anywhere.


Of course, we would n-e-v-e-r violate a request like that




Jennifer P - Managing Director at Swett & Crawford held court in the lobby bar each evening or after an event.  I can't imagine how many shots were ordered (70 at a time, 3-4 times an evening) by the end of the 5 day affair.   You can bet Jennifer won't do that next year!



Group Shot of the attendee's.  Don't bother to check; Yes, I'm there but I tend to hang in the back of these things.  It's more about the younger generation of warriors in my view.


Having survived the first 24 hours we prepared to venture forth on Day 2


At a scheduled pool side event, the WIA's and supporters walk through the hotel hallway lined with a few hundred public supporters.  An awesome experience.






Gary Sinese (Lt Dan or CSI) is a huge supporter of the WIA's and made several remarks at the pool side event.  He left early for a sound check because his band was playing at that evenings Gala black tie party.


Yes, Chris and I clean up well.


My best guess for the attendance at the Gala was about 500 people.  Humbling to say the least.


A couple of my personal Hero's.  Ryan & Laura Keogh and Chris Powell - both these brave Rangers sustained serious injuries in OEF.


Brian, an Air Force Service Member wounded by a rocket in Iraq, is the most seriously injured AF member in the history of the Air Force to survive his wounds.  Despite the loss of both legs, and his right arm, he and his wife Ashley are an inspiration to other WIA's with their active lifestyle.  An incredible couple and role model


The Grog Ceremony at the Gala, SSG Davenport, an Army Special Forces Weapons Sergeant injured in OEF, represents the SOF community and poured a bottle of whiskey into the mix!  (If you don't know about the ceremony I encourage you to look it up on Google)


Lt Dan Band plays at the Gala...up close and personal


Everyone dressed up for the Gala!  Jessica and Todd and their K9 companions Bradley and Toby (aka "The Lush") Note their formal wear


Chris on the dance floor with Mike Thornton, US Navy SEAL, CMOH holder from Vietnam.  They can hold there own on the dance floor!


Shamelessly sucking up!  Gotta luv it.


Mike T and Bobby having a ball. . .or what looks like it anyway.


A Johnny Depp look-a-like showed up and scooped up Chris while I was off at the bar.  Don't tell her husband that I took my eyes off her too long.


Back to the bar.  More shots!  Thanks Jennifer.


Even a blind squirrel gets a nut every once in a while.  Sheryl and Ashley took pity on me while Mike held Chris hostage on the dance floor.  I didn't notice she was gone!


After the Gala we all retired to the lobby bar.  Toby was giving me advice on how to pace myself.


Advice he obviously took seriously.


One of the medics checking Toby to make sure he was still keeping pace with us.


Yeah, now you know why we called him "the lush"
(and he was fine.  Really)


Open Bar, repeat as necessary.


Rachel & Chris with Mike Thornton


Mike asking Chris "whats that good looking woman doing hanging out with a Ranger like you?"


Chris Powell and I agree our two women made us look good.



As you can see, Toby, and the rest of us, were just fine the next morning during our visit to the local AFB.


Our tour of the base included a personal US Air Force Thunderbird air show.  From the middle of the runway it was an awesome display.


The last night included a stop at Treasure Island to watch the "Sirens" show


The mandatory stop at Caesars


The mandatory stop at the Fountains - and note that Full Moon!


Although it comes to the end, we're still standing and already plotting how to do this again.
.
I hope y'all enjoyed the pictures (out of 200+ these were the ones that made the final cut) and our short story for the weekend in Las Vegas.

None of this could have happened without the generosity of Swett & Crawford who flew us out and gave every bit of their collective heart to show us a good time.  We often forget that these types of organizations are putting forth great effort to show their support for wounded warriors of this latest generation.  I'm grateful and humbled that they included me in this event.