SEAs the Day thanks veterans with a beach vacation
A split second.
That was all it took to turn Larry Rothrock's world upside down.
"I was a truck driver," he said. "In Iraq."
Rothrock had served in the Army for nearly 30 years before being deployed. He was overseas for just 18 months when his truck ran over the explosive.
"It happened so quickly," he said.
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Rothrock sustained serious head and knee injuries, but recovered enough to return home.
The problem though, was that the man who came home wasn't the man who left on deployment.
War, and being wounded in action, "really changed me," he said.
Rothrock thinks about this every time he has a panic attack, a migraine, or straps on his black velcro knee brace.
"It's been tough — really tough," he said. "But today, things aren't so bad."
Friday, Sept. 9, Rothrock was surrounded by dozens of families who know exactly what he's going through.
They are gathered at the Freeman Stage at Bayside for Operation SEAs the Day, a weeklong beach event for soldiers and veterans wounded in action.
"Today," he said, his eyes misting. "Today, I feel like I am normal."
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"None of this would be possible without generosity"
Operation SEAs the Day is a publicly organized charity that began with a group of local homeowners who wanted to offer wounded warriors a well-deserved vacation at the beach.
Since 2012, the event has grown into an annual southern Delaware tradition that brings the entire Bethany Beach community together to say thank you.
"None of this would be possible without generosity from our sponsors," said Annette Reeping, Operation SEAs the Day board member and media chairwoman.
More than 80 area businesses, including restaurants, spas, grocery stores, golf courses and kayak rental companies treat the soldiers and veterans like royalty during their stay, she said.
"Our sponsors do all sorts of things, like donate coupons and cover restaurant bills, and really go out of their way to make these families feel special," she said. "It's truly wonderful."
And the generosity doesn't stop there.
Each year, local residents offer up their homes to the families, free of charge, for the week.
Bill and Ann West, of Bethany Beach, have participated as host families since 2013.
In addition to sharing their home, the Wests strive to make their Operation SEAs the Day families feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
"We handle everything," she said. "We'll make reservations for them, babysit the kids, offer advice on where to sight-see, whatever they want."
"We're like personal concierges," Bill West chimed in, smiling.
Although the families stay for just a week, they always leave a lasting impression.
So much so, that the Wests have remained in close contact with each of them.
"They've stolen our hearts," Ann West said.
Hand over heart
Friday evening was hot and patriotic as the community gathered to bid the soldiers and veterans farewell.
The war heroes departed from Sea Colony Marketplace in Bethany Beach and traveled to The Freeman Stage at Bayside in Selbyville. Hundreds of people, wearing red, white and blue, waving American flags and homemade posters, lined the streets to cheer on the motorcade down Route 1 and 54.
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Larry Rothrock was perched on a white convertible, hand over heart.
In addition to the wounded warriors and their families, local police officers, first responders and bikers rode in the parade. The procession concluded with a sit-down dinner, featuring fried chicken, mac and cheese and local veggies, followed by a concert on the lawn.
Bruce Casher and JoAnn Green, Bayside residents, had heard the parade and came out to investigate.
"I'm so glad we did," Green said.
The pair plan to participate next year, possibly as host families.
"Our country is exceptional," Casher said. "What separates us is our Constitution and the men and women who uphold it. And as citizens, it's our duty to let them know that their sacrifices will never be forgotten."
For a full list of sponsors and information on how to get involved, visit operationseastheday.org.
302-537-1881, ext. 207
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