Heartwarming Reunion Highlights OPFOB Gala in Ridgeland

Heartwarming Reunion at Ridgeland’s OPFOB Gala

RIDGELAND – In an evening filled with emotion, camaraderie, and heartfelt surprise, a local organization made waves at the annual gala held at Hilton Head Island on November 9th. The Operation Patriots Forward Base (OPFOB) brought together two brave veterans in a touching reunion that will surely be remembered for years to come!

Honoring Heroes and Creating Connections

OPFOB, an incredible 268-acre facility, has dedicated itself to the mission of preserving the lives of veterans and first responders. It aims to tackle the heartbreaking issue of veteran and first responder suicide in the United States. By providing a space for these heroes to come together, OPFOB fosters positive experiences and relationships that thrive through outdoor activities and community events.

The star of the gala was Craig Ostergard, a veteran and dedicated volunteer who has proudly called Hilton Head home for the past 40 years. He not only walked away with the coveted Sgt. Baez Honor Courage Commitment Award, but also reveled in a whirlwind of emotions as he was surprised by his Vietnamese counterpart from the war, Ri Nay, who presented the award to him!

From the Battlefield to New Beginnings

“I am honored to receive this award, but I don’t do this for the accolades,” Ostergard passionately expressed. “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.” His words truly resonate with the mission of OPFOB.

Ostergard’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite returning from Vietnam to a less-than-warm welcome, even being spat upon and misunderstood, he chose to rise above adversity. After completing his education at the University of Akron with honors, he climbed the corporate ladder from an entry-level position at a major company all the way up to the role of Executive Vice President! Now, he has established two real estate companies while serving on a whopping eight boards in his community.

A Brotherhood of a Different Kind

On the other side of the stage stood Ri Nay, who had fought alongside Ostergard in Vietnam during the early ‘70s. Nay, who served as a Company Commander with American Special Forces, had dedicated his time to providing medical aid to the Montagnard people, the indigenous folks of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. It was a time of deep connection, trust, and brotherhood amidst the chaos of war.

“Our platoon was a brotherhood, fighting together, living together, and surviving together every day,” Nay reflected. While their paths diverged post-war, Nay was one of the fortunate ones to catch one of the last US flights out of Saigon—a moment that profoundly shaped his life.

A Sweet Surprise for a Beloved Veteran

This touching reunion had long been desired but life had gotten in the way. “When I was first approached about the opportunity to surprise him and honor him, I jumped at the chance,” Nay revealed. “He is my brother in arms and a man that deserves to be honored and recognized for his hard work.” How special it must have felt after all these years to embrace a comrade!

Remembering Carlos Baez

The Sgt. Baez Honor Courage Commitment Award itself was created to honor the memory of Carlos Baez, a dear friend of OPFOB’s founder, JR Brown. Baez faced his own battles after spending 15 years in Iraq and Afghanistan, ultimately losing his fight against terminal liver cancer just weeks before this meaningful gala. “Carlos meant the world to me, so to be able to honor someone with his name, to keep it alive, is something I don’t take lightly,” Brown said.

A Night to Remember!

As the evening wrapped up, the twinkling lights and heartfelt chatter filled the air, echoing the promises of brotherhood and support. OPFOB continues to shine a light on the incredible struggles that veterans face and remains committed to fostering connections that matter. Here’s to the precious bonds forged during tough times, and to heroes like Ostergard and Nay, who continue to inspire others with their stories of courage!