Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation to Honor American Hero Navy Chief Warrant Officer (ret) Oscar Westbrook on Veterans Day

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL  – On November 11, 2024, the Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation, in partnership with the Man in the Sea Museum and the Dive Locker, will honor the life and legacy of Navy Chief Warrant Officer 4 (retired) Oscar Westbrook, a dedicated American hero. His ashes will be deployed at the Military Divers Memorial Reef site, off the coast of Panama City Beach, serving as a poignant tribute to his unwavering service and sacrifice for our country. 

The solemn ceremony will begin at the Man in the Sea Museum at 7:300 AM. Local biker organizations will escort Oscar's remains and his family from the museum to the Dive Locker boat, creating a heartfelt procession that reflects the love and respect Bay County has for one of its veterans. 

The community is encouraged to line the streets with flags to honor Oscar's memory and show support for his family. As the procession makes its way to the Dive Locker boat, Oscar’s ashes will then be transported to the Military Divers Memorial Reef, where he will find his final resting place. Once out at the Military Divers Memorial Reef site, Chief Warrant Officer 4 (ret) Oscar Westbrook will be piped over the side to his final resting place. Navy Divers will take his ashes in a salt urn and place it down next to the Military Divers Memorial Reef and drape a flag, in the background, in honor of his service.

“We are deeply honored to be a part of this heartfelt tribute for CWO4(ret) Oscar Westbrook,” said Joe Theodorou, Founder and President of Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation. “His service and dedication to our country will not be forgotten, and we hope this will serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy.”

Oscar Westbrook was more than a Naval Diving Officer and Master Diver; he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who touched the hearts of many. His commitment to duty and country serves as an enduring example of courage and selflessness. On this Veterans Day, let us come together to honor his legacy.

For more information on Chief Warrant Officer 4 (ret) Oscar Westbrook and the procession route, please visit www.warriormemorialreefs.org . You may also contact Joe Theodorou at 239-826-2009.

Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation is dedicated to honoring the past and restoring the future by interning the cremated remains of veterans, first line responders and K9s in prefabricated artificial reefs off the coast of Panama City Beach.