James Suh Scholarship Fundraiser

Posted on 24 January 2014 by JLusk

By Rachel Galvin

 

(Below: Fallen Navy Seal James Suh, part of Operation Red Wings, depicted in the film “Lone Survivor.”)

james suh

On Jan. 15, Dr. Brian Rask held a fundraiser for the James Suh Scholarship at Paragon Theater in Deerfield Beach. The event included a screening of the film “The Lone Survivor,” a raffle, a 50/50 drawing, sports and other memorabilia for sale, and a silent auction of various items. The scholarship, which is a one-time award of $1000, is awarded to Deerfield Beach High School seniors and is based on GPA, strength of classes, extracurricular activities, community service and interest in serving in the military.

The scholarship was named after James Suh, a fellow Deerfield Beach High School student and friend of Rask who graduated in 1995. The pair went to the same college, University of Florida, but lost track of each other and Suh received a degree in statistics and trained to become a Navy Seal. The movie “Lone Survivor” is about Suh and his fellow seals… four Navy Seals who were on a failed rescue mission called Operation Red Wings. This is how Suh lost his life in 2005, fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

But his friends will never forget him. This is why the scholarship was created the year after his death, just a month before their Bucks’ 10 year reunion.

“I funded the first year myself,” said Rask, who is president of the Pompano Exchange Club, who donates $500 yearly as well, adding that he does fundraisers year-round.

Kellie Search volunteered to help Rask this year.

She said, “I knew James since Elementary school. I have been helping collect photos from friends and family for the montage [that showed before movie]. This is the first [fundraiser] I have helped at, but I have attended others.”

Ralph N. Oko came down from Vero Beach to help, bringing his collectibles for sale. He donated 25 percent of his sales back to the scholarship.

“I have been helping since the beginning. James’ friends had the foresight to keep their friend alive in spirit. Who would have thought a book and a movie would be made [about the mission]?”

Paragon Theater was packed and included many military personnel, including the DAV (Disabled American Vets) Post 133 and the Marine Corp League Intracoastal Detachment #1058.

Rask said, “We had close to 200 people show up and raised approximately $4,700. It was also great for many high school friends to catch up, who have not seen each other in years. Paragon Theaters did a great job for us and helped us out with everything we needed!”

Want to donate to scholarship? Send checks to Pompano Beach Exchange Club, Attn: James Suh Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 672, Pompano Beach, FL 33061. The Pompano Beach Exchange Club manages the scholarship fund in a trust and is a 501c3 charitable organization.

To find out more about James career as a Navy Seal, visit http://navyseals.com/nsw/james-suh.

IMG_5343IMG_5344

Above–On left: Members of the DAV Post 133. On right: Members of the Marine Corp League Intracoastal #1058.

 

IMG_5332 On left: Dr. Rask, Kellie Search, Kelly Brown, Ralph N. Oko,  Anya Ledic, Marlon Carias

 

Comments are closed.

Advertise Here
Advertise Here