Ridgeland Community Celebrates Unforgettable Veterans Reunion at Gala
RIDGELAND — On a beautiful November evening, the Hilton Head Island was filled with heartfelt moments as a local organization based in Ridgeland, known as Operation Patriots Forward Base (OPFOB), hosted its annual gala. This year’s event, held on November 9, not only celebrated veterans but also brought together two old friends in a surprise reunion that left both honored and emotional.
A Celebration of Sacrifice and Brotherhood
OPFOB aims to provide a lifeline for veterans and first responders in the United States, focusing on addressing the overwhelming issue of suicide among these brave individuals. The organization boasts a stunning 268-acre facility where veterans can engage in outdoor and recreational activities designed to foster camaraderie and create lasting connections.
A Surprise Like No Other
The highlight of the evening came when Craig Ostergard, a dedicated volunteer and former Army Infantry Officer, received the prestigious Sgt. Baez Honor Courage Commitment Award. Little did he know, the award would be presented to him by none other than his Vietnamese counterpart from their time in service together, Ri Nay.
“I am honored to receive this award but I don’t do this for accolades,” said Ostergard, visibly moved. “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.”
A Journey Through Time
Ostergard, a Hilton Head resident for 40 years, is a two-time Bronze Star recipient who has actively worked to support fellow veterans in his community. He articulated how proud he is of what OPFOB has achieved within such a short interval. With warmth and sincerity, he shared his experiences of returning from Vietnam, where, like many others, he faced a cold reception from the very country he fought to defend. “I was spat upon, isolated, and misunderstood,” he recounted.
In the early 1970s, Ostergard and Nay served alongside one another in Vietnam’s Fubonn Province. Ostergard was a part of a platoon that functioned like a brotherhood, each soldier prepared to face danger together. Nay was a Company Commander of MIKE Force, providing critical medical assistance to the Montagnard, the indigenous people of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Although language barriers were present, trust and teamwork transcended their differences.
Reconnecting and Honoring a Legend
Nay expressed heartfelt sentiments about their reunion. “When I was first approached about the opportunity to come back, surprise him and honor him, I jumped at the chance. He is my brother in arms and a man that deserves to be honored and recognized for his hard work,” Nay said, beaming with pride.
It had been many years since the two true friends had seen each other, but they reconnected in recent years stateside. This gala was their first opportunity to meet again in South Carolina, a moment Nay and his wife, Charlene, were eagerly looking forward to. “Once you serve with someone in battle, you are brothers for life,” explained OPFOB Founder JR Brown. “Sometimes life gets in the way of reconnecting. We made sure that these two heroes’ lives intersect once again.”
A Lasting Tribute
The evening became even more poignant with the introduction of the Sgt. Baez Honor Courage Commitment Award. This award was created to remember Brown’s dear friend, Carlos Baez, a fellow Marine who bravely fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Baez, diagnosed with terminal liver cancer earlier this year, sadly lost his battle just weeks before the gala.
“Carlos meant the world to me, so to be able to honor somebody with his name, and keep his spirit alive through this award, is incredibly meaningful,” Brown said, reflecting on the personal connection. “I don’t take this lightly.”
As the evening drew to a close, the sense of unity, compassion, and resilience permeated the air. Through OPFOB’s efforts, veterans were reminded that they are never alone in their journey, and families forged through sacrifice can always find their way back to one another.
