Several Admirals Cove members headed out on Sunday, April 16, 2023, to show their support for an important event titled Make 22 Zero Again. Organized by Dee Decker, a passionate resident who has dedicated her efforts to supporting veterans, this event aimed to bring attention to the critical issue of veteran suicides and raise funds for their well-being.

The significance of “22” in the event name is deeply rooted in a heartbreaking statistic: every day, 22 veterans tragically take their own lives.  With a shared determination to make this number zero, the attendees joined in unity to fight for a better future for those who fought for our freedom.

The centerpiece of the day was the Charity Golf Classic held at the prestigious Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.  Participants showcased their golfing skills while demonstrating their unwavering support for veterans.  Out on the links were PGA Pro Robert Allenby’s group of celebrity golfers and former Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt.  Schmidt’s generosity extended beyond his golfing skills, as he provided invaluable advice to his disabled veteran teammate.  Regrettably, PGA Pro Dustin Johnson was unable to attend the event due to the Australian Open.  Nevertheless, he showed his support by graciously donating a round of golf, where the lucky winners will have the opportunity to play alongside him.

As the sun began to set, attendees gathered at the enchanting Mar-a-Lago for a Celebrate Heroes Dinner.  The evening was a time to reflect on the heroic sacrifices made by veterans and to honor their unwavering dedication.  The exquisite banquet was a fitting tribute to these brave individuals.

At the heart of the event was the profound healing therapy that stems from the unique bond between a veteran and a specially trained support dog.  Carefully bred and trained at the renowned Baden K9 facility, these remarkable canines play a crucial role in helping veterans cope with post-war issues such as PTSD.  These dogs are not mere pets but trusted partners in the veterans’ journey to recovery.

Dee and her husband Jerry experienced firsthand the healing power of these dogs when they tragically lost their beloved puppy, Bro, to a sudden brain hemorrhage.  Their connection with Josh Perry, the owner of Baden K9, led them to Cupid, a three-month-old Airedale-Kerrie Blue puppy.  With the guidance of Phil Ryan, whom some may know from his time as the Navy SEAL Museum K-9 Program Director, Cupid received private training, ultimately becoming a cherished member of the Decker family.

Inspired by the profound impact of the Baden K9 program, the Deckers were compelled to share their story and extend healing wherever possible.  Through the support of Admirals Cove member Michael Tammero, an executive vice president at Fox News, their journey reached a broader audience.  The network produced two shows highlighting the partnership between veterans and therapy dogs, including a special segment filmed at the Navy SEAL Memorial in Fort Pierce.

Not long ago, Phil Ryan’s commitment to K9 training led him to an expanded role with Baden K9, providing essential services to all branches of the military nationwide.  The event also shed light on the Special Operations Wounded Warriors Program, which offers therapy dogs to special operators in need, where Baden K9 plays a significant role.

For Dee and Jerry Decker, creating the Make 22 Zero Again initiative began with the couple drawing inspiration from their own patriotic fathers.  Jerry’s father served in World War II under General Patton, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and the D-Day invasion.  Additionally, Dee’s father was featured in Life Magazine as the maestro of the Indiana University Marching Hundred.  His halftime show tribute to the military during a Chicago Bears game was credited with rekindling patriotism in 1965 when the country really needed it.  Both Dee and Jerry were raised in families that celebrated and honored the military, fostering a deep sense of pride and respect for those who served.

The event benefited the Leaving Legacies Foundation, a recommended pass-through foundation focused on vets struggling with traumatic brain injury, veteran support, and combating human trafficking.  The foundation proved to be an ideal partner for the Make 22 Zero Again event.

Veteran Charles Venezia was also on hand with his well-known Boarder Collie, Bo, a recipient of Baden/Phil Ryan training.  Bo was a notable presence at the Mar-a-Lago production, a perfect example of how a properly trained support K9 can change a vet’s life.

The event was a resounding success, raising over one million dollars to support veterans in need.  The contributions were truly remarkable, including an anonymous member’s extraordinary donation of $80,000, covering the lifetime training costs for a veteran and their K9 partner.

In a pre-event celebration, Admirals Cove marina member Kimberlie Glaser hosted an “Honor the Sponsor” yacht party on her magnificent superyacht, KIMBERLIE.  The afternoon gathering set the tone for the main event, fostering an atmosphere of gratitude and camaraderie.

The Make 22 Zero Again event showcased the power of a compassionate community coming together to support veterans and combat the staggering number of veteran suicides.  The dedication shown by the residents, event organizers, sponsors, and attendees served as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Admirals Cove members and the community to making a positive difference in the lives of those who have served our nation.