Mark Metherell

Recently, Patricia Kennedy of Beverly Hills, CA - businesswoman, activist, philanthropist, actress and model - created the non-profit foundation, Step Up for Vets http://www.stepup4vets.org to help transition our veterans back to civilian life after having being deployed abroad.  Known for her famously exquisite jewelry collection, Patricia created a medallion she named the Peace One Earth medallion which is either pined to a lapel or worn as a necklace. The back is engravable and can have the name of a loved one on it.  By wearing the medallion, one can express gratitude to the defenders of our freedoms and to acknowledge their service and sacrifice to our country. 

After hearing about Mark, she was so moved by his story that she decided to finish the creation of and unveil this medallion ahead of schedule to honor Mark’s service at the Step Up for Vets gala she held at her estate in Beverly Hills last June.  Patricia presented medallions with “Mark Metherell - SEAL Team 5” engraved on the back to the Metherell family and two of Mark’s friends who were hosted at the gala.  All of the proceeds from the sale of the medallion and the fundraising efforts of Step Up 4 Vets foundation go to support the National Veterans Foundation. You can find out more information about the medallion at http://www.peaceoneearth.com.

The Laguna Beach Independent is hosting a slideshow of some photos from the paddleout in memory of Mark that finally happened (and worked perfectly) on the 4th of July. Attached is the link to that slideshow with commentary from Sarah Metherell.

http://www.lagunabeachindependent.com/news/2008/0711/Front_page/0001.html

Family, friends and loved ones gathered together on the Fourth of July for an honorary surfboard Paddle-Out in honor of Mark’s lifelong passion for the sport. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a fellow surfing comrade. Endearingly synonymous to Mark’s surf style, the wave sets were impressive as they all paddled out together quite a distance to “Second Reef” off of Brooks Street in Laguna Beach where they shared a quiet moment and tossed a floral wreath contributed by Mark’s sister Alison, onto the familiar rocks Mark knew so well. As they disappeared into the mist, friends and family waited patiently on the shore for the clan’s wave-riding return. Due to the size of the waves, the beach was red-flagged to swimmers which meant the surfers owned the waves which, by the way, is somewhat unusual for Laguna Beach and a surfer’s dream day. Fitting. 
The song at the end is one of Mark’s personal favorites called “Ripple” by The Grateful Dead. 

This is a patriotic 4th of July tribute you might enjoy viewing. Thinking of Mark this weekend, dancing on the streets of gold.