
The event, which was originally scheduled for today, was postponed due to the death of Commander Seth Stone, Willinks’s “brother” and best friend. Commander Seth Stone was a two time winner of the Silver Star, awarded for his heroic acts in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. He was most recently assigned to Special Operations Command Pacific in Hawaii, a unit that receives Navy personnel from the Naval Special Warfare Command in San Diego. Commander Stone tragically died in a sky diving accident a couple of weeks ago.
“SEAL team members take their responsibilities to one another, in life and death, very seriously indeed. Jocko needed to step up to help Commander Stone’s family and was forced to cancel his appearance on Staten Island, scheduled for October 18. We mourned the loss of this hero and felt for our friend. We respected his continued loyalty and service to his team. We also knew at some time in the future, Jocko would in fact come to Staten Island, and our gathering would be even more poignant and profound. That time is now officially November 2nd,” noted BP Oddo.
Willink is also the author of kids’ book Way of the Warrior Kid, the chosen book for The Borough President’s Summer Reading Challenge. Through the challenge, the Borough President’s office distributed nearly 1,300 copies of the book to 4th graders throughout the borough. Prior to the meet and greet, Willink will be speaking at the official recognition ceremony for the students who participated in the program.
Willink’s newest book, Discipline Equals Freedom, was recently released. This book discusses his strategies and tactics for becoming a stronger individual, both mentally and physically.
“I am really looking forward to meeting the folks out on Staten Island. There is a lot of negativity in the world right now—we see it on the news every day. But there are also a lot of people out there trying to make the world a better place. That’s what I see in this event and in this community of people. They want to take action to improve themselves, their neighborhood, their city, state, and the world. That is inspiring in its own right and I can’t wait to meet them all,” Willink said.
Books will be available for purchase at the meet and greet event. Admission is free, but RSVPs are requested due to limited seating capacity. You can find the link to sign up at https://www.statenislandusa.com/jocko.html.