This event honors the First Special Service Force (FSSF) better known as the “Devils Brigade” and the special operations forces that have followed in their legacy. In December 1944, the FSSF held its final gathering in Menton, France. This was the inactivation ceremony for the combined U.S.-Canadian commando unit, which had been active since July 1942 and fought behind enemy lines in Norway, Italy, and Southern France. The shared meal and farewell at Menton became a legendary moment, symbolizing the deep brotherhood between the two nations’ soldiers. After disbanding on 5 December 1944, many of the “Forcemen” were sent to Army Ranger units to utilize their special skills.
Guest Speaker retired special operator, Keni Thomas, an Army Ranger, singer/songwriter, and motivational speaker. Keni was part of Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu Somalia, an operation made famous by the book and movie Black Hawk Down.
Each ticket includes hor d’oeuvres, prime rib dinner, cocktails (open bar), music, and parking. Also, there will be an outside cigar lounge area with cigars, cutters, and lighters.
Sponsorship opportunities with historic gifts are available for this one-of-a-kind special operations-themed event. No better way to salute these heroes!
Dress: Business attire (dressy but not formal), WWII era uniforms, 1940s vintage attire.
Venue website The Regent – distance from Tampa International Airport – 21.4 miles · Light traffic · 31 min
LOOKING FOR LODGING? If you are traveling in for the event and looking for lodging close by, here are a few hotels within a few miles of the venue. Embassy Suites Tampa-Brandon, Holiday Inn Express Tampa-Brandon, Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Riverview Brandon, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa-Brandon.
There are many great hotels in Tampa by the Convention Center that are within a 20-30 drive.
STATE OF FL-CH36707 – “A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (1.800.435.7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”
