O

n March 5, The Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted an evening 
of celebration for Fort Walton Beach history. The event presented by Eglin 
Federal Credit Union was in part a fundraising event to benefit the Gulf 
Restoration Project, and a private preview of the historic Gulfview Hotel 

in all of its newly restored splendor before it opens to the public, along with a heroes’ 
reception. The Gulfview was built in 1903 by Architect E.B. Goodrich; 89 years later it 
was designated as a historic site on October 22, 1992.

Author Dennis Okerstrom made a presentation about the Air Commandos, while 

during the evening guests had the opportunity to meet the three remaining original Air 
Commandos, including the last Doolittle Raider Lt Col (Ret) Dick Cole, SMSgt Bill 
Cartwright and SSgt Patt Meara. The three distinguished gentlemen are the last known 
surviving members from the 1st Air Commando Group of World War II. Guests enjoyed 
photo ops, and book signings. The delicious spread was provided by the Magnolia Grill 
with wine by Twisted Grapes and beer by Props Brewery.

photos & story by

Zhalman Harris

   VIP Destin Gulfview Historic Hotel

GULFVIEW

Grand Preview

62     |    VIPDestinMagazine.com

Nicole & Jason Floyd

Lt. Col (Ret) Dick Cole & Melissa McSwain

Leslie Moland, Neal Kelly, Patricia Payne & Paul Stinebiser

Christine & Michael Rojas

Ryan Price & Kathy McNally

Eddie McAllister & Barbara Britt

62-63 Event_GulfviewGrandPreview_Apr19.indd   1

3/29/19   10:20 AM