Former SEALs Booked To Keynote Military Appreciation Fund Event

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — A pair of former Navy SEALs are the keynote speakers for Tuesday's annual fundraising dinner for the Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund.

Retired Lt. Lawrence Yatch, of Mound, was a SEAL for 10 years. Retired Special Warfare Operator Eric Davis, of San Clemente, Calif., served 16 years in the Navy including 10 years in SEAL teams. They'll offer insights on their experiences as SEALS and how to translate the principles they mastered into everyday civilian life.

Organizers expect the event to raise upward of $500,000, with all funds going directly to Minnesota troops and their families. The fund awards cash grants to service members from Minnesota who've served in a combat zone since 9/11.

The fund has awarded 15,000 grants to Minnesota service members, totaling more than $9 million since 2005.