Hi Everyone!  (A note from my Sister from another Mother; Leanne Thrift)

As much as I would like to take credit for this idea it was my Sister-in-Law who thought this would a great substitution (NavyEODA Donations) instead of more trinkets around the house.  This doesn't mean you can't throw Bud a good GAG Gift, God knows he has done this once or twice to most of you.  This note is specifically for all of Bud's acquaintances who do not know Bud's history in the Military. 

As you may or may not know Bud was a Navy SEAL and a Navy EOD Officer for almost 23 years.  There are a very small number of Navy personnel who specialized in both of these programs.  If you held this honor you are referred to as a "TWIN PIN" meaning you earned the SEAL Insignia (Budweiser or SEAL Trident) and the Navy EOD Insignia (EOD CRAB).

More facts:

• Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL)
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) or Navy Bomb Squad

The Navy SEAL and EOD operators deploy as one unit of action meaning they are synonymous and each with their specific duties when called to action.

Many of you have reached out regarding gifts.  In lieu of gifts, please consider donating to The Navy EOD Association.  The #1 goal of the Navy EOD Association is to continue to foster the relationship between the Retired Navy EOD and the Active Duty EOD Community and to always keep that in the back of our minds as we build on that Legacy.

The donations also go to finding and supporting more ways for our Retired EOD Community to keep engaging with one another through different events that will support the comradery of the community.

Other support:

• Outreach programs
• We give to other organizations that directly support our Navy EOD Veterans
• We host Family Days at the Navy EOD Groups located in San Diego and Virginia Beach
• We host reunions on each coast in San Diego and Virginia Beach as well as other Rendezvous around the nation
• We host several Golf tournaments through our Navy EOD Chapters located Nationally.

We have many old and not-so-old Retired EOD folks in Florida.  If you get a "wild hair" and would like to see how Polk County throws down - you should grab your favorite spirits and head out to Camp Lester.  I am sure Bud Thrift and the rest of the party would appreciate it.

DO NOT BE CONFUSED BY THE TICKET PURCHASE.  BY CLICKING ON THE TICKET PURCHASE YOU ARE PROVIDING A DONATION IN LIEU OF A GIFT.  YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A DONATION TO ATTEND BUD'S BIRTHDAY PARTY.  NOW, IF ENOUGH PEOPLE DONATE YOU MAY ENTICE BUD AND HIS CREW TO PERFORM "OLD MCDONALD" ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY.