DANVERS — The 6th Annual Salute to Veterans Breakfast was held Friday, Nov. 6, at the Danversport Yacht Club. It was a special morning for the 500-plus in attendance and featured music, stories, connections, awards and recognitions.
After a hearty buffet breakfast, the program opened with the Presentation of Colors and the National Anthem sung by Todd Angilly, official Anthem singer for the Boston Bruins, accompanied by the National Guard Band. A poignant prayer was offered by Pastor Jamie Booth of Calvary Christian Church.
Chaplain Ben Flax of the Massachusetts National Guard provided a remembrance address in honor of the veterans no longer with us in which he explained the significance of The Missing Man Table — a table set for one.
Secretary Eric Goralnick of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services and Colonel Chad Forrest of the US Air Force also addressed the crowd.
David Morales, General Manager of Wellpoint, the morning’s Valor Sponsor and co-host, was thrilled to introduce the morning’s keynote speaker — Mike “Boots” Barker.
Boots served his country for over 21 years. While serving in the Teams, he worked his way up to become a Tier One operator. He completed multiple combat deployments including Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and other classified missions across the world specializing in close-quarter combat, target prosecution, and military free-fall operations.
He is the owner of Sentinel Elements LLC and the CEO of Bearmouth Precision LLC. While working in the SEAL Teams, Mike fell in love with military skydiving and continues to jump on the civilian stage after his service. In collaboration with Legacy Expeditions, Mike recently completed a world record — skydiving into seven continents in under seven days to raise $7 Million for Folds of Honor, a program that gifts educational scholarships to dependents of fallen or wounded military personnel and first responders
Mike shared personal stories that detailed a veteran’s experience of striving to exist in two worlds – a life at home and a life in the field. He spoke about life after the military and the nature of the incredible purpose that is found in the service.
Cummings Center founder Bill Cummings was recognized for being named to Forbes list of America’s Most Successful Living Veterans, which included such notables as former President George W. Bush, Warren Buffett and Clint Eastwood.
John Hall, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and member of the Salute to Veterans Host Committee, was called upon to introduce the 2026 recipient of the Minuteman Service Award — Kurt Fieldhouse. Kurt was honored for his service in the U.S. Army; his commitment to hiring and supporting veterans through C2MG Builders; his work with Home Base; and his longstanding mentorship of the next generation of tradespeople. C2MG Builders is a Topsfield-based, veteran-owned construction company specializing in custom homes, renovations and historic restoration throughout the North Shore and Greater Boston.
Stratton Lloyd, CEO of Essex County Community Foundation, took the stage to discuss ECCF’s Veterans Fund which has awarded $105,000 to 16 organizations that are improving the lives of veterans through employment, mental health resources, family programming, and educational opportunities. He announced that this year’s Salute to Veterans Grant Recipient is New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, a program at Tufts University that’s based at Moraine Farm in Beverly. Through their innovative Veterans Growing Community Initiative, New Entry connects veterans and their families with access to high-quality, locally-grown food, while also creating workforce development and volunteer opportunities. Jennifer Hashley was in attendance to accept the $15,000 grant.
The crowd was treated to a performance by members of the award-winning Junior ROTC Drill Team from Lynn English High School and a rousing medley of service songs, performed by the National Guard Band and led by Colonel Cheryl Poppe.
This special morning would not be possible without the generosity of many sponsors. Thank you for your participation and support of our nation’s finest.
