The Hooters in Burlington, owned by a Marine (Orin Ealey; MOS cook [ooh-rahhh!]), wanted to do something for Veterans Day.  This is the first time a Hooters has ever been involved with a Veterans Day recognition project.  This Hooters Manager contacted his Corporate management and told him that he wanted to do something new and special for Veterans.

After discussing his ideas of having the National Anthem sung live, and having Marines present the Colors, Corporate was very curious about this and told this manager (Marine!) that they would approve his location only to pilot this program to see how it worked out.  If it went well, they would consider going Nation-wide with the program next year.  Well, needless to say, it went GREAT!  We supplied the Colors and the rifles and had a great many Detachment members present, along with the Burlington Marine Corps Recruiters, some Airmen and Corpsmen in full uniform there for the presentation.  The crowd was unbelievably receptive of the whole event and the manager could not have been more pleased.  The camaraderie between all of the branches there was second to none as well.  There was plenty of handshaking and hugging throughout the whole restaurant between the Veterans.  It was a great event and we look forward to doing all we can next year as well.  Also, this Hooters has promised to work with us with Toys for Tots as well.

In the end, a Marine from Hooters, spear-headed a program that is sure to be a National event next year.  This is due to the assistance of the local Marine Recruiters that called me for assistance, and our Detachment willing to do all they can for this pilot program, that is sure to be a favorite event for many across this Nation over the coming years.

Semper Fidelis,

Bruce R. Rakfeldt
Adjutant
Department of North Carolina