North Shore 'Salute To Veterans' Breakfast To Honor Nation's Military, Sacrifices

DANVERS, MA — North Shore veterans, military members and first responders are invited to attend the North Shore Chamber's 5th annual "Salute to Veterans" breakfast as a celebration of patriotism, service and the nation's military and veterans' communities.

The event is set for Nov. 7 at Danversport on Elliott Street in Danvers.

The event is sponsored by The North Shore Chamber of Commerce along with its premier sponsor Wellpoint, and eagle sponsor O’Donnell Funeral Services.

The program will feature the presentation of the Minuteman Service Award, which recognizes selfless dedication and support of our military and veteran communities. This year's honorees are Dick and Christine Moody of Danvers, founders of Operation Troop Support.

This Danvers-based nonprofit focuses on helping America's deployed troops as well as their loved ones back home. The organization has shipped more than 1.5 million care packages to troops all over the world.

This year's keynote speaker is Kris Paronto, who was part of the elite security team guarding the CIA annex during the 2012 Benghazi attack. His story was told in the the book and movie "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi."

Paronto served four years as an Army Ranger, followed by another four years in the Army National Guard. He reached the enlisted rank of sergeant before receiving a commission in 2003. He will offer a first-hand account of what happened on the ground during the 2012 Benghazi attack.

Those attending are asked to register in advance by calling 978-774-8565, Ext. 4 or online at here.

Tickets for the general public are $85, and $65 for Chamber members.

Registration and breakfast begin at 7:15 a.m., with the program running from 8 to 9:30 a.m.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)