Jim and Connie Sewell believe strongly in the mission of this organization and in supporting the families of American heroes. They hope you’ll join them in welcoming local hero Captain Geno F. Paluso, USN, Ret., the event’s keynote speaker. Capt. Paluso served as a U.S. Navy SEAL officer on active duty for more than 25 years. He retired from the Navy in July 2014 and is currently the Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel in Charleston. His service awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Joint Commendation Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (5), Joint Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, as well as numerous other service awards and commendations.
The efforts of the SEALKIDS organization enable children whose daily lives include more than the average stresses of growing up to experience success in school—which then translates to success in life. Through core programs that include personalized academic support, specialized needs programs, testing and evaluation, advocacy, and enrichment, SEALKIDS fosters the success and well-being of the child, critically reducing family stresses and ultimately keeping today’s Navy SEAL in the fight.
SEALKIDS started due to the efforts of a Naval Special Warfare family who recognized firsthand the reality of a SEAL family’s life and the need for additional support. In 2011, following Extortion 17—which marked the greatest single incident loss of American life in the war in Afghanistan, the deadliest moment in the history of SEAL Team Six and the entirety of the Navy SEALs, and the deadliest single incident in the history of U.S. Special Operations Command—SEALKIDS founder Suzanne Vogel’s children, Hunter and Alexandra (then ages 9 and 6, respectively) were inspired to help the children of their father’s friends. Steve, Suzanne’s husband, who had recently retired from Naval Special Warfare, and Suzanne, who had spent years as a command ombudsman (spouse of active duty or selected reserve member), understood the financial stress and academic difficulties, not to mention the deployments and all that goes with being a part of Naval Special Warfare.
A Navy SEAL has a dangerous, demanding job that takes him away from home nine months of every year. The children live in a world that few can comprehend. The fear of not knowing when or if they will ever see their dad alive again can cause academic, emotional, and behavioral issues that put additional stress on their families and prevent them from thriving.
To support these families, Hunter and Alexandra decided to make stickers to support Naval Special Warfare families. These stickers began to gain traction and raised the money that enabled them to start SEALKIDS. Now, the nonprofit serves children nationally and provides educational assistance along with other services, free of charge, to more than 300 Naval Special Warfare families in more than 600 educational grants.
By attending or sponsoring the Lowcountry Boil at Coast, you will be supporting SEALKIDS in its mission to serve the children of Naval Special Warfare—everyday kids living in extraordinary circumstances. The event includes a silent auction, and tickets are $100 per person. For more information, to become a sponsor, or to purchase tickets, visit sealkids.org/hhsalute.
