Dear Gala Supporters:
We wanted to take a moment to reach out with an important update about the LT Michael Murphy Gala planned for September 22 at OHEKA Castle. Once again, we thank you for your patience as we navigate what continue to be unprecedented times.
Despite efforts to mitigate the various ramifications of COVID-19, variants continue to pose a variety of challenges nationwide. The Museum is not immune to these challenges and feels strongly that transparency is essential and any effect on the Gala should be shared. We are also hoping to reconfirm your attendance, given the recent spikes across the country.
Regarding COVID safety protocols, together with OHEKA Castle, we plan a fully compliant evening, with hand sanitizer throughout the event space and available masks. Vaccination is not required by the venue.
The most front-facing modification of our program will be the attendance of our announced VIP guests. Most notably, Adm. William H. McRaven will now address Gala attendees via video and no longer join on-site for his planned Meet and Greet. In his stead, Gary Williams, author of SEAL of Honor, the biography of LT Murphy, will join us, sign books and address the room. As well, due to strict COVID protocols as he works on location in Hawaii, Taylor Kitsch’s attendance is now tentative.
We are delighted to share that Brian Kilmeade of Fox News Channel will join us. And, we are proud to welcome Major Matt Brady of the US Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Night Stalker Major Brady flew the Chinook that inserted LT Murphy and fellow SEALs Marcus Luttrell, Matt Axelson and Danny Dietz into their final mission in Afghanistan.
A variety of retired and active duty SEALs will be in attendance, including Michael Sauers who has led the growth of The Murph Challenge, developing its presence nationally through his company FORGED, to help keep Michael’s legacy alive and grow his namesake scholarship foundation.
Valor Table and Meet and Greet ticket holders will still receive an autographed copy of their choice of either Sea Stories by Admiral McRaven, The Operator by Rob O’Neill or SEAL of Honor by Gary Williams. Rest assured, for these ticket holders, the Museum is prepared to provide a price adjustment upon request.
An additional bonus: All ticket holders are welcome to join Dan Murphy, LT Murphy’s father, for a sneak-peek tour of the Museum which is nearing completion, the morning after the Gala, Thursday at 10 AM.
To confirm your Gala attendance and interest in joining the sneak-peek tour, please reply to this email to receive important location and parking details. For other questions, please contact Christopher Mallory at cmallory@murphsealmuseum.org or Bryan Mastrangelo at bmastrangelo@murphsealmuseum.org.
We are looking forward to sharing a memorable evening with you and appreciate your unwavering support. Until September 22…
Our Very Best,
The Board of Trustees
The LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum
