Heartwarming Reunion at Hilton Head Island Gala: Veterans Honor Each Other
Hilton Head Island recently witnessed a truly extraordinary moment as two veterans were brought together in a heartwarming reunion during the annual gala of Operation Patriots Forward Base (OPFOB) held on November 9. The event, aimed at raising awareness and support for our brave veterans and first responders, featured a surprise that left everyone in attendance in awe.
Bringing Brothers in Arms Together
The reunion was the brainchild of the dedicated folks at OPFOB, a remarkable 268-acre facility that provides a gathering place for veterans and first responders. Their mission is clear: to foster camaraderie and support among those who’ve served our country and, crucially, to combat the heartbreaking issue of veteran and first responder suicide.
Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Sgt. Baez Honor Courage Commitment Award to Craig Ostergard, who was not only taken aback by the honor but utterly surprised to receive it from his Vietnamese counterpart, Ri Nay, who he served alongside in Vietnam.
A Humble Hero’s Journey
Ostergard, who has called Hilton Head home for the past 40 years, humbly expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honored to receive this award, but I don’t do this for accolades. I just wanted to make a difference in the lives of men and women who served our country so proudly and come home with no purpose, and no one to connect with like they do on the battlefield.”
Ostergard’s own military history is impressive; he served as an Army Infantry Officer in Vietnam and was awarded two Bronze Stars. Sadly, upon returning to the U.S., he and many Vietnam veterans faced hostility rather than gratitude, often returning to a country that did not fully understand their sacrifices.
Forging a Brotherhood Across Cultures
The bonds formed in combat can be unbreakable. Nay, who acted as a company commander with American Special Forces, collaborated closely with Ostergard in the early 1970s in the Fubonn Province. Together, they provided medical assistance to the Montagnard people, forging a connection that transcended language barriers. Nay shared fond memories of their time together, saying, “Our platoon was a brotherhood, fighting together, living together, and surviving together every day.”
Though the two lost touch when Nay was evacuated during the fall of Saigon in 1975, life would eventually bring them back together in the United States. This reunion marked Nay and his wife, Charlene’s, first trip to South Carolina, and it was as heartwarming as it was monumental.
Honoring a Fallen Comrade
The Sgt. Baez Honor Courage Commitment Award holds a poignant significance. It was created in memory of Carlos Baez, a close friend of OPFOB’s founder, JR Brown. Baez, who battled terminal liver cancer after years of service in Iraq and Afghanistan, passed away just two weeks prior, making this award all the more meaningful. Brown, recognizing Ostergard’s tireless work for veterans in the community, commented, “Once you serve with someone in battle, you are brothers for life. We made sure that these two heroes’ lives intersect once again.”
Ostergard’s ongoing commitment to supporting fellow veterans is a testament to the mission of OPFOB, where sharing experiences and building supportive relationships can save lives. In just a short time, the organization has made a significant impact, helping veterans find purpose and companionship once again.
Wrapping Up a Night to Remember
The annual gala was emotional and inspiring, showcasing the strength of the veteran community. As they shared laughter and stories, those present couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journeys each veteran has faced. It was a reminder that even in the most challenging times, bonds forged in service are never truly broken.
This heartfelt event highlighted the essence of brotherhood, support, and hope for veterans across the nation, leaving attendees inspired and uplifted.
