December 1, 2016 · 7:00 PM
On April 20, 2010, a terrible explosion killed 11 of 126 workers aboard the offshore oil rig Deepwater Horizon. When disaster struck, Mike Williams, who worked as the Chief Electronics Technician on the oil rig, emerged in the subsequent weeks and months as one of the powerful and heroic voices of the tragedy. Williams was one of the last workers to leave the rig, having bypassed lifeboats in favor of trying to help save others and salvage the rig. Williams had no choice but to jump from the burning oil rig. He describes his ten-story fall: “I remember closing my eyes and sayin’ a prayer, and asking God to tell my wife and my little girl that Daddy did everything he could and if, if I survive this, it’s for a reason. I made those three steps, and I pushed off the end of the rig. And I fell for what seemed like forever. A lotta things go through your mind.”
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as Mike Williams offers his take on the spirit of service, the struggle of separation from one’s family, and overcoming all challenges that seek to destroy you. This message is especially poignant as we call to mind those families whose loved ones are currently serving overseas in harm’s way, crucial to our story of service and heroism, inspiring our own journeys to serve.
Bill Lunn from 5 Eyewitness News (KSTP) will serve as our guest moderator for the evening. A portion of the proceeds of this event will help underwrite Beth El Synagogue’s Minnesota National Guard unit support initiative, directly benefiting the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, currently deployed on a nine–month peacekeeping mission in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Family members of deployed 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment (and subordinate command) soldiers can attend this event free of charge by contacting Raquel Waste. For additional inquiries about the event, please call 952-873-7300.
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