Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Navy captain Brookman honored, Vegas-style

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, July 23, 2003 | 8:07 a.m.

Few soldiers are welcomed home in such style as U.S. Navy Capt. Jeffrey Brookman, who was surprised with a party hosted by Tom Kaplan, managing partner at Spago.

Brookman, who has just returned from serving with the Marine Expeditionary Forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, was saluted for serving his third tour with the Marines by Rep. Shelley Berkley, joined by Sonia Joya of U.S. Sen. John Ensign's office and Lanae Freeborn Tunnell representing Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt.

A hearty round of champagne toasts was begun by Brookman's former commanding officer, Col. Steve Chambers, who bestowed a special Marine status on Brookman, and was followed with comments from his wife, Monterey Brookman, as well as dear friends including Dr. Glen and Sandy Tueller, Dr. Nouri and Lisa Ghahreman, Marty Dowling and Dr. Fredoon and Susan Tofigh.

Host Tom Kaplan spoke of meeting the Brookmans through their mutual efforts on behalf of the American Red Cross and American Heart Association. Joe Tanaka, head of Japan Airlines for Las Vegas, attended with wife Rie, and presented the returning soldier with several pieces of traditional Japanese art.

Guests, including Jane Dowling, Moinqiue deRoode, Shenandoah Merrick, Sam Berkley, Nicola Olivarez, Martin Tunnell, Ben and Marilyn Nakagawa and Pat and Evie Morita, enjoyed a delectable dinner featuring Wolfgang Puck's famous meatloaf followed by a special Napoleon cake created for the occasion by Spago pastry chef Christoff.

Brookman, a family practice physician in Las Vegas for over 20 years, has been a Naval Reservist for two decades. Previously he served in Desert Storm and Somalia, then returned home for several years before being called to service after 9/11 for Operation Homeland Security, followed by Operation Iraqi Freedom. Brookman will return to his medical practice in September following a well-deserved break.

Benefit brunch

On Sunday, in celebration of Steinway & Sons' 150th anniversary, Southern Nevada Music will present a benefit brunch, silent auction and piano presentation at the Tuscany. Proceeds will be donated to the Lili Claire Foundation, which, in conjunction with UNLV, is in the process of funding a Life Skills Center for children with Williams disease and other neurogenic birth defects.

Entertainment will include performances by the Scintas, pianist Linda Gentile and three local television weathermen who are taking piano instruction at Southern Nevada Music. Gentille will perform on several Steinway pianos before closing the program by playing George Gershwin's famous "Rhapsody in Blue" on Steinway's blue "Rhapsody" limited-edition, art-case piano. To make reservations for this elegant brunch, please call 320-5792 or (866) 347-2368.

Evening at the movies

A call has gone out for support of the Lied Discovery Children's Museum as officials begin to prepare for their 21st annual black-tie gala slated for Oct. 24 at The Mirage.

This year's them is "Fantasy: The Reel Gala," and will be a celebration of classic silver screen moments that have inspired us, made us swoon, made us laugh and, most of all, entertained. The evening features a cocktail reception with a traditionally lavish silent auction, followed by an evening of live entertainment, music, performance and sumptuous dinner.

Contributions are needed from both individuals and businesses including art, golf packages, dining, weekend getaways, fashion items, furnishings, jewelry, anything that can be imagined.

In addition to a letter of acknowledgement for tax purposes, each donation will be recognized in the fall issue of Discovery News, the quarterly newsletter distributed to more than 6,000 businesses and households. Proceeds from the auction and the evening will fund ongoing museum programs, exhibits and activities for children and their families in the realm of the arts, sciences and humanities. Contact Doreen Alvarado at 382-0592.