From Peninsula Daily News sources
GARDINER — “Unity of Effort,” an annual summer picnic and patriotic celebration hosted by Security Services Northwest, will be held at its “Fort Discovery” headquarters at 3501 Old Gardiner Road on Saturday (Aug. 10).
The event begins at 10 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m.
It is open to the public and dedicated to military, law enforcement and first responders — “those who protect our way of life,” said Joe D’Amico, owner of Security Services Northwest.
“We’re here to support local, state and federal organizations — and private organizations — who all help in protecting our community and nation,” D’Amico added.
Located on Discovery Bay between Sequim and Port Townsend, Fort Discovery has 3,700 grassy acres of waterfront and uplands.
Personnel and equipment from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will be at the celebration, including a Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, Washington State Patrol, Washington State Parks, U.S. Border Patrol, Port Angeles, Forks, Port Townsend and Makah police departments and Jefferson, Clallam, King and Kitsap county sheriff’s departments.
Other guests include Airlift Northwest, Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue, Jefferson County Fire District No. 5, Clallam County Fire District No. 3, U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps Security Forces Bangor, Loomis Armored, Peninsula Strait Shooters, Security Services Northwest with its anti-terrorism/force protection boat, and Mount Olympus Detachment No. 897 with vintage war vehicles.
There will be picnic tables and potluck-style food and drink.
Highlights will be tours of helicopters and other first responder equipment, a P-51 Mustang fly-by by the Historic Flight Foundation and K-9 police dog demonstrations by the Port Angeles Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Vendors include Epic Firearms, Top Notch Tactical, Fort Discovery and Costco.
A member of the Navy band will open the event with the singing of the national anthem, while the Navy chaplain will lead the opening prayer.
Live music will be provided by Stardust Big Band and Blacky Sheridan.
Children can partake in several activities at the family-friendly event, such as the jump house, arts and crafts and the “famous straw toy find.”
There is no charge for current, full-time military, law enforcement and firefighter personnel to attend.
A $20 donation per adult is suggested for the general public, while children 17 and younger are admitted free.
Money will go to the Special Operation Warrior Foundation, which supports the families of wounded and fallen special operations forces.
Port Angeles radio station KONP will broadcast from the Unity of Effort celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parking at Fort Discovery is limited and guests are encouraged to use the free shuttle provided by 7 Cedars Casino, 270756 U.S. Highway 101 in nearby Blyn, just east of Sequim
The shuttle departs from the casino’s upper parking lot and leaves hourly starting at 10:30 a.m.
The last shuttle leaves the casino at 4:30 p.m. Return shuttles from Fort Discovery are every hour, beginning at noon.
The final shuttle departs at 6 p.m.
RSVPs are requested but are not required.
To reserve a spot or for more information, contact Jennifer Scott at 877-876-4750 or email jen@ssnwhq.com.
