First responders honored at Globe & Laurel on 9/11

NORTH STAFFORD — An estimated 700 people attended a lunch sponsored at the Globe & Laurel Restaurant on Sept. 11 for first responders and Marines.

The event was an effort to honor these groups on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that occurred in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

Globe & Laurel owner (Ret.) Maj. Richard “Rick” T. Spooner hosted the first-time event — a free lunch buffet held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I’d like to see America show their appreciation for them…while they’re still on the feet, said Spooner, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.

Cpl. Justin Miller, a three-year marine stationed at Quantico for more than a month, said he heard about Spooner and the restaurant and decided to attend.

“All the stories are true,” he said of Spooner. “He just oozes charisma.”

“It’s greatly appreciated from the Marine Corps,” said Cpl. Bryan Ridenour, a Marine for four-and-a-half yaers. He referred to Spooner as a “legend.”

Also in attendance were members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain View Rescue Squad, the Prince William County Police, the United States Marines, among others.

“We should be honoring him and people like him,” said Stafford County Sheriff Charles Jett, referring to Spooner as “a warrior.”

Stafford County Deputy Bill Crane called the event a “reminder of why we’re here and do what we do.”

Prince William County Police Officer Shawn Peak called it a “great event” that “commemorates the people who sacrifice their lives” for the public good.

“I am here to honor and respect the first responders, said David Ivey-Soto, the event’s chef. “I’m here to support the Major [Spooner].”

Ivey-Soto, who volunteered his services for event, is a consulting chef and secretary of the National Culinary Federation. He said Spooner has been in three wars and keeps on giving.

“Where do you find those people?” he asked.

Spooner said he plans to make the occasion an annual event and would like to see other restaurants duplicate his efforts.

“We’re hoping to draw in some other restaurants to do the same: honor and respect the first responders and the military,” he said.

Jim Lawrence is a contributing writer at the Stafford County Sun. Reach him at info@staffordcountysun.com.