'Lone Survivor' Marcus Luttrell returning to Alabama

DAPHNE, Ala. — Former Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor author Marcus Luttrell is returning to the Yellowhammer State to speak at the Baldwin County Drug Court Foundation’s 6th Annual “Knowing You Can Make a Difference” fundraiser on Tuesday, June 9th.

Lone Survivor is Luttrell’s courageous account of Operation Redwing, the 2005 military mission in the mountainous area between Afghanistan and Pakistan that became the deadliest-ever operation by America’s elite Navy SEAL forces. Luttrell and three other SEALs found themselves face to face with more than 100 Taliban soldiers and only Luttrell lived to tell the story.

Incurring several injuries in the operation, Luttrell received the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart. The 2007 New York Times Best Selling book sharing his story was later adapted into a 2013 blockbuster.

According to a press release announcing Luttrell’s visit, “the Foundation will present a brief program to educate attendees of the Programs’ successful treatment approach, effective assistance for Veterans, community outreach and emphasis of drug education in Baldwin County schools. The keynote speaker, Marcus Luttrell, will immediately follow and share his story and captivating message of perseverance, strength, courage and integrity.”

The Baldwin County Drug Court works to “promote justice and uniformity of judicial proceedings as well as provide cohesive educational and rehabilitative efforts to meet the needs of those with drug and alcohol addiction to reduce future criminal conduct and return people to normal, productive lives.”

“We are thrilled to have Mr. Luttrell as the keynote speaker for this year’s event,”said presiding judge of the Baldwin County Drug Court Robert Wilters. “His inspiring story really speaks true to our message of preparing yourself to win and never accepting defeat as an option.”

In 2014 Luttrell delivered an inspirational speech to the University of Alabama football team ahead of their game against then #1 ranked Mississippi State.

“It was awesome,” tight end Brian Vogler said of Luttrell’s remarks. “I was sitting on the edge of my seat. Any time you can talk to somebody like that, you’re completely locked in to everything that’s going on, every word that’s coming out of his mouth. Honestly, once he got done talking I wanted to run through a brick wall. That’s how exciting it was.”

Tickets for the event may be purchased online at baldwindrugcourt.com or from Raina Macks at auburnt@hotmail.com.