ReportWire

Tag: APP Honoring Our Veterans

  • American Legion program in Dunedin supplies veterans with laptops

    [ad_1]

    DUNEDIN, Fla. — The American Legion Veterans Technology Program helps veterans get the computers they need for school. It was created by Post 275 in Dunedin in 2021.

    They’re currently providing, on average, a laptop a month to local veterans.

    What You Need To Know

    • The American Legion Veterans Technology Program provides, on average, a laptop a month to local veterans

    • Luke Olson said the laptop has helped him as he pursues a degree in cybersecurity

    • The program was created to help veterans overcome the cost of buying a laptop


    Army veteran Luke Olson is one of the recipients. He is a student at Kaiser University studying cybersecurity and married with two children.

    With his major, he knew a good computer was essential, but the cost created a challenge.

    “I tried to use a Chromebook, but it’s basically a web browser with a Gmail account,” he said. “I got a MacBook that I repaired, but it was on the older side as a 2014, and unfortunately, the software and the updates don’t come in anymore because it’s 11 years old.”

    David Hahn said it’s these types of issues that led to his post creating the program.

    They have a committee that goes through applications before choosing people like Olson.

    “We’re really trying to identify those veterans and active-duty military members who really have something going on, where this is really going to bless their lives and make a difference,” Hahn said.

    Hahn is happy they’re able to help veterans, and Olson is grateful for the program.

    However, both said the cost of a computer is a roadblock for veterans across the country.

    “I’m just one person, and I know if I have the problem, thousands of others in different schools across the country probably have the same problem where they have to get specific equipment for their major,” Olson said.

    Spectrum News reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs and asked about the options veterans have to purchase laptops.

    They said, “Post 9-11 GI Bill beneficiaries receive a monthly housing allowance and an annual $1,000 stipend for books and supplies, which can be used at their discretion, including for the purchase of a laptop.”

    The GI Bill currently covers tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, books and a supply stipend up to $1,000 a year for approved education.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • 8,500 wreaths laid at Bay Pines to honor veterans

    [ad_1]

    BAY PINES, Fla. — Remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. This is the mission of Wreaths Across America.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wreaths Across America is a mission to remember the fallen and honor those who served

    • Thomas Schooley participates annually, inspired by his late mother who passed in 2020

    • Fundraising efforts helped place 8,500 wreaths at Bay Pines National Cemetery this year

    • Organizers hope to continue increasing the number of wreaths with community support


    For Thomas Schooley, it has become a yearly tradition.

    “When I found out that this happens, I signed up the very first year after my mom passed,” he said.

    Schooley’s mom died from cancer in 2020.

    Her name, Betty, is written along with Schooley’s stepfather, Paul, at the cemetery.

    Schooley is one of dozens of people who place wreaths across these markers to honor all those who served our country.

    “I come out here at least once a month,” he said. “I try to do it every other week and just sit and have a talk with her.”

    Ronalee Klase, the Bay Pines coordinator for Wreaths Across America, said she’s grateful to every person who donated to purchase these wreaths.

    Still, with the number they have, they have to spread the wreaths one for every four veterans.

    “We don’t have quite as many wreaths here as I would like to see, but we have a good showing,” she said.

    Klase said there are 35,000 graves at Bay Pines National Cemetery.

    Last year, 5,000 wreaths were laid at veterans’ graves.

    It’s this number that inspired Schooley to reach out and try to increase the number of wreaths available.

    “I made it my point this year to ask for donations from my group,” he said in reference to the Facebook group, THUNDER BOLTS. “We raised $4,000.”

    Thanks to that money and all the others who donated, there were 8,500 wreaths laid this year.

    While it’s still less than they like, Klase said she’s focusing on making sure the community understands what makes this so special.

    “It’s just a way to say we love you, we miss you, and we wish you were here,” she said.

    For those interested in contributing for 2026, click here.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Vet meets family of Bay Pines VA first Black female employee

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A veteran working at the Bay Pines VA recently discovered a book in the archives that details the life of the first African American woman to work there in the 1940s.  

    It’s a piece of history that he was hoping to share with the woman’s family if he ever found them.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 first reported on the late Deotha Parsons story earlier this month. Parson’s rich history of being the first female African American employee to work at Bay Pines VA in the 1940s is all laid out in a book.

    The book is housed in the archives at the Bay Pines VA. That’s where hospital coordinator for the Disabled American Veterans, John Makas, first discovered it six months ago.

    He said he knew then, he had to find and connect Parsons’ family with the book.

    After the story aired and appeared online, the community connected Spectrum Bay News 9 with Monica Hunt and her brother Erik Butler, Parsons’ grandchildren who live in Washington D.C.

    Makas joined the video call to formally meet them and get their reaction to the story.

    “I thought it was amazing,” Butler said.

    Hunt says she was surprised.

    “Yeah, it was great. I had chills. I was like, ‘Oh wow’ and all of those pictures. But to see all of the rest of the stuff in the book, it was nice to see,” she said.

    Deotha Parsons, the history maker, was just a grandmother to them. She had already retired from VA by the time they were old enough to understand her accomplishments.

    “She wasn’t too much affiliated by the time I got to know her,” Butler said.

    After working for Bay Pines VA, for more than 30 years and retiring in the 1970s the book was created for her retirement. It’s something Makas wants the family to have a piece of.

    “I didn’t want that photo album to get lost. So, my DAV here in the Florida Area, we’re going to get together and we’re going to have that book digitally done for you and I want to give that to your family so that you guys have it,” he said. “That’s something you should have to teach to your grandchildren.”

    Once completed, Makas said he will coordinate with the family to hand them over the new digitized copy of the book.  

    [ad_2]

    Saundra Weathers

    Source link

  • Local Honor Flight Trip Helps Veterans Reconnect

    [ad_1]

    COLUMBUS, Ohio —Honor Flight Cleveland has launched a new initiative to help veterans build social connections through regional memorial visits.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Honor Flight Cleveland pilot program offers bus trips to Columbus for veterans unable to travel to Washington, D.C.

    • Veterans said the trip helped them reconnect, heal and feel recognized for their service

    • Organizers plan to expand the program with four additional trips next year

    The pilot program brought veterans by bus from Cleveland to Columbus for visits to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Ohio Statehouse, offering an option for those unable to travel to Washington, D.C.

    Retired Sgt. Robert Piatak of American Legion Post 572 said the trip offered an important space for shared experience. “We had some bad days and like to forget it, but you also like to talk about it.” Piatak said.“It’s a brotherhood and a sisterhood. So even though someone served in the Army I served, we can joke around with each other.”

    Piatak emphasized that recognition, rather than praise, remains significant for many veterans. “It’s not that we want to be thanked all the time, but just recognized.”

    Honor Flight Cleveland Vice President Bill Synk said the pilot trip was developed to reach veterans who experience isolation or have limited ability to travel longer distances. He said the outings are intended to be therapeutic, giving participants opportunities to share experiences that can lead to new friendships.

    Synk said the positive response to the program calls for more opportunities. Honor Flight Cleveland plans to offer four additional regional bus trips in 2026, continuing to bring veterans to Columbus for museum and Statehouse visits.

    [ad_2]

    Saima Khan

    Source link

  • Veterans Day events in the Tampa Bay area

    [ad_1]

    There are a number of events taking place on Veterans Day in the Bay area. We’ve compiled some of them below.

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    LARGO

    Join the City in honoring local veterans at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday at 9 a.m. The ceremony will be inside the Central Park Performing Arts Center, located at 105 Central Park Drive.

    The ceremony will feature live music, readings, and presentations by local veterans, offering a meaningful opportunity to express gratitude for their service. Attendees can also engage with various service and veteran groups. For more information, please contact 727-587-6740 Ext. 5014.     

    GULFPORT

    One year after the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation’s annual Veterans Day Commemoration was canceled due to the back-to-back hurricanes of 2024, the beloved community tradition returns. The event will take place Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Gulfport’s waterfront Veterans Park, located at 5350 31st Avenue South.

    The Foundation invites the entire community to gather in honor of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation.

    The program will include:

    • Military tunes by New Horizons Band
    • Welcome by the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation
    • Color Guard by Boca Ciega High School JROTC
    • National Anthem performed by Catherine Basset
    • Message to Our Military by a JROTC cadet
    • Address by Gulfport Mayor Karen Love
    • Invocation by Rev. Jon Scott
    • Moment of Silence & Taps by New Horizons Band
    • Retirement of the Colors

    Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be served, offering an opportunity for attendees to mingle and share stories. Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair for seating comfort.

    For more information, please contact the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation office at 727-893-1244.

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

    Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will host the 61st Annual Veterans Day Tribute on Tuesday at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa.

    The annual event salutes Veterans of all eras and military branches with a family-friendly celebration that is free and open to all. 

    The outdoor Veterans Day Tribute will feature: 

    • JROTC color guard and patriotic music 
    • Veterans Council Awards and special guests 
    • A variety of resources for Veterans and military families 
    • Free refreshments after the ceremony 
    • A kids’ craft area with take-home creations 

    For the ninth consecutive year, the national Veterans Day Committee of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has named Hillsborough County’s Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum to its list of official Regional Veterans Day Sites, a recognition of excellence for patriotism and honor to our nation’s military. The park is free and open daily from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. The community is encouraged to tour its many monuments, including the new Gold Star Family Memorial. 

    For information about the 61st Annual Veterans Day Tribute or Veterans Memorial Park, visit HCFL.Gov/Veterans or call (813) 635-8316. 

    ZOO TAMPA

    ZooTampa at Lowry Park will host a special Veterans Day pinning ceremony on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Zoo’s Saunders Pavilion. The event aims to honor local military veterans for their service and sacrifice.

    The ceremony will feature remarks from leaders of both organizations and will publicly recognize veterans from all branches of the military. Each honoree will receive a commemorative lapel pin and a letter of appreciation.

    PASCO COUNTY

    NEW PORT RICHEY

    The City of New Port Richey invites you to come together in celebration and gratitude at the Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday at 5 p.m. around Orange Lake near Sims Park in Downtown New Port Richey.

    Honoring the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform, the parade will feature local veterans, active military units, marching bands, community organizations, and civic groups. 

    Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to attend, wear red, white, and blue, and show their support from along the parade route. All are welcome to participate in this memorable celebration of patriotism and community spirit.

    The Downtown Area Roundabout Trolley (DART) will be operating for this event. For more information on the event, click here.

    SARASOTA

    The City of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, will co-host the annual Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m., Tuesday in downtown Sarasota. The parade will begin at Orange Avenue and Main Street.

    Several road closures and vehicle tow-away zones will be in effect for the parade beginning at 3 a.m., Tuesday.

    The road closures are:

    3 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Main Street closed from Links Avenue to Bayfront Drive

    3 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Osprey Avenue closed from Ringling Boulevard to Second Street

    Vehicles not removed by the posted time of 3 a.m. will be towed at the owner’s expense.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • St. Pete College student chosen for exclusive veteran fellowship

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Petersburg College has joined some of the most prestigious schools in the nation in having a student veteran chosen for the VFW-SVA legislative fellowship. 

    What You Need To Know

    • SPC veteran student Giancarlo Gonzalez was one of six students nationwide chosen for this fellowship 

    • Giancarlo hopes that through the fellowship he will have a chance to raise awareness about issues that veterans face

    • This is the 12th year students could take part in this fellowship


    The semester-long fellowship provides those chosen, such as SPC student Giancarlo Gonzalez, with the opportunity to learn from professionals and receive training on how to become veteran advocates. 

    Giancarlo served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2012. 

    Now, he wants to bring more attention to student veteran issues like housing allowances, issues with the GI Bill not covering certain expenses, and more. 

    He sees being chosen for the fellowship as a step in that direction. 

    “I didn’t get the Leadership Institute, so I was a little upset about it,” he said. “Everyone in the office is like, oh, don’t worry about it. You’re going to get the fellowship, you’re going to get the fellowship, and a week later, I got the email, and I saw congratulations.”

    Trevor McGilvrey, SPC Student Veterans of America Advisor, said his team was thrilled to see Giancarlo chosen, and that being one of just six students selected nationwide shows the kind of person he is.

    “Feels like, almost like a David and Goliath type story where, you know, the guy from Harvard, he’s a White House Intern,” he said. “He’s a Navy SEAL. Some of these people are PhDs. Some of these people have ran, you know, they’re directors of military programs at high-level universities.” 

    Giancarlo recently got back from his first conference in Washington, D.C. as part of the fellowship. 

    He will attend two more, and he has a message that he wants to bring to the forefront.

    “Veterans deserve not just to come home, but to thrive as leaders, professionals, and community builders. I’m ready to bring that mission focus, discipline, and passion to Washington.”

    This is the 12th year students could take part in this fellowship.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Florida Veterans Coalition works to help vets transition post-military service

    [ad_1]

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — For the 21st year, dozens gathered at the Florida Veterans Memorial Plaza to honor veterans and their families at Clearwater Patriot Fest. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Robby Groover said the first 12 months post-service is the most challenging time for veterans

    • The Florida Veterans Coalition has partnered with organizations like St. Vincent de Paul Cares

    • State Senator Nick Diceglie said he’s planning to appropriate $500,000 from the state legislature to the program


    With a theme of “Service after Sacrifice,” service members spoke to attendees, highlighting the bravery of veterans, as well as ongoing contributions to vets.

    The event brings veterans, organizations and community leaders together.

    Robby Groover, the CEO and president of the Florida Veterans Coalition, said that with the “Military to Veterans Support Program- Operation Safe Landing,” they can help veterans at one of their most vulnerable times.

    “That first 12 months post-service is the most difficult time,” he said. “You know, you lose your camaraderie, you lose that mission orientation, you lose kind of what your drive is.”

    From issues with finding housing, education support, employment and more, Groover said these issues happen around the same time vets leave the military.

    Ronald Lillard, an operations manager for St. Vincent de Paul Cares, said they see much of the same.

    “In the military, their rent, their food, all their expenses have been taken care of,” he said. “And then in that transition period of time, it takes a little bit of a learning curve for the veterans to figure those things out.”

    Lillard said that’s why they’ve partnered with the coalition.

    As the largest homeless veteran provider in Florida, operating in 22 counties, he said they’re already helping many vets statewide.

    “They’ve identified this gap in service,” Lillard said. “This past year, SSVF program with St. Vincent de Paul has housed over 1200 veterans, and specifically here in Pinellas County, we’ve housed over 384 veterans to help them in their homelessness.” 

    Among Saturday’s speakers was State Sen. Nick Diceglie.

    He said the work the Florida Veterans Coalition is doing is great and is planning to appropriate $500,000 from the state legislature to the program.

    “Not only are we going to get them off the streets, we’re going to create housing, create jobs, and really make sure that they’re able to live the American dream,” Diceglie said.

    Diceglie is confident that the legislature will approve the money.

    For Groover, this is just another step in helping veterans in need of some extra support.

    “We’re helping to keep driving our military, our veterans, and our veteran families toward success,” he said.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Veterans from Polk assemble floats for annual Orlando’s Veterans Day Parade

    [ad_1]

    ORLANDO, Fla. — A group of Central Florida veterans is working on a special project together — assembling floats for Orlando’s 26th annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Orlando’s 26th annual Veterans Day Parade is Saturday, Nov. 8

    • This year, the parade is relocating to Lake Nona from downtown and steps off at 11 a.m.

    • Festive Floats, based in Polk County, has a group of veterans who works on floats for the parade


    Bob Collins spent 22 years in the Navy. He enlisted in September 1971 and worked as a boiler operator before retiring in March 1993.

    Collins works for Festive Floats, a company based in Fort Meade in Polk County. This week, he worked on wiring electrical boxes for a float so speakers and lights can get plugged in.

    “After my military days, I’ve been a stationary engineer now for about the last 25 years working in hospitals, doing basically the same thing I was doing in the military,” Collins said.

    This year, Festive Floats co-owner Billy Attix said his team is working on floats for Commissioner Jim Gray and the Orlando Veteran Affairs office.

    “We’ve been working on the Veterans Parade for about three weeks,” Attix said. “We’re customizing some of our floats to make it military-based to honor those who have served, those who have lost their life.”

    The parade is a long-running event for residents to remember and honor those who served our nation.

    “We’re able to give back to the good, give back to humanity, bring that smile that somebody needs. Just an escape for five minutes of your normal life,” Attix said.

    Collins said he enjoys pulling the floats and seeing people have a good time, while connecting with other veterans along the way.

    “It’s kind of an honor, it really is, especially driving in the parade with the veterans on it and the Wounded Warrior people,” Collins said. “They do a lot of good work for the veterans.”

    The long-standing tradition is moving from downtown Orlando to Lake Nona for the first time.

    This year’s Veterans Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday. The route starts at Laureate Park Elementary School and will finish at the Lake Nona Town Center.

    A ceremony and more activities for families will follow.

    [ad_2]

    Emma Delamo

    Source link

  • New monument for Gold Star Families unveiled in Tampa

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — A new Gold Star Family monument was unveiled at Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa.

    The memorial stands to honor families whose loved ones were killed during active military service.

    What You Need To Know

    • Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa has unveiled a new Gold Star Family monument

    • The monument honors families whose loved ones were killed during active military service

    • Funds for the monument were raised by the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County and other local organizations and volunteers

    • The Woody Williams Foundation partnered on the project with hopes to build similar monuments nationwide


    “The gold star represents their sacrifice and their courage,” said Gold Star Mother Jean Uffalussy. “The symbol of the soldier here that’s hollowed out represents the fact that they’re no longer with us.”

    Uffalussy said her son, Staff Sgt. Patrick Dolphin, wanted to join the military since he was a kid.

    “He lived his life training himself. He read books on military history,” she said. “He slept in pup tents in the woods with his helmet. He had a night vision helmet, goggles and he had a BB gun.”

    Dolphin was a Marine and served for more than 11 years in Iraq and Afghanistan before he paid the ultimate sacrifice in 2011. Uffalussy has been a Gold Star Mother ever since.

    “This is a monument to the families that missed their loved ones every day,” Uffalussy said.

    Funds were raised for the project by the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. and dozens of local organizations and volunteers.

    “This memorial is really the pinnacle of capturing all the sacrifices that our veterans and their families have endured for defending our freedom,” said Frank Strom, director of Hillsborough County Consumer and Veteran Services.

    The Veterans Council’s Gold Star Monument Committee worked in partnership with the Woody Williams Foundation on the new monument.

    The foundation hopes to build statues in every state across the country.

    It’s a new spot for Uffalussy to reflect and remember her son and all those who died serving our country.

    “I think the fact that he died makes those of us that survived try to live a life more worthy,” Uffalussy said

    The term Gold Star Families originated during World War I. Families would display a flag with a blue star for a serving military member, and if the service member didn’t make it home, the star was turned to gold. The color change signifies their sacrifice.

    [ad_2]

    Tyler O’Neill

    Source link

  • Bay Pines VA offers veterans support and services at resource fair

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. —  This weekend, veterans were able to find helpful resources all in one place.

    The VA Hospital in Bay Pines hosted a Resource Fair on the Medical Center’s campus. Multiple agencies and organizations were on hand, offering a wide range of information and services.

    What You Need To Know

    • Bay Pines VA Hospital held its first Resource Fair

    • Event offered legal, housing, healthcare, and mental health services

    • Veterans found support and connection through the fair

    The event was the first of its kind to be hosted by the hospital, and the person responsible for making it happen was Outreach Coordinator and Veteran Kelly James.

    “The meat potatoes is like what we give them every day right we give them a full course meal with their healthcare and so the gravy is when you get to come here and socialize with other veterans and socialize with our staff and really get to know how many community partners are there for you and everything that they have to offer,” she said.

    Everything from legal services, housing to aging care were offered, along with options for primary care, The Women’s Clinic and mental health.

    And helping them along the way – fellow veterans.

    “It’s like they’re walking with their own village. They’re here with other veterans, and when they run into each other, it’s an automatic bond,” James said.

    Tiffany Feen with the American Legion said while the VA does offer many services, some veterans may not be aware that they exist, and if they are, they might not be eligible, which can sometimes lead to frustration and a feeling of helplessness.

    “When you see how many people are suffering and how many people it’s affecting, and it’s just the way it is so when you have the ability to have a community come together and you have the village let’s make the village bigger,” she said with tears in her eyes.

    And that’s where the American Legion and other community partners come in – to help them understand what’s out there for them.

    “What doesn’t get covered under legislation, we can help them with. Through Project Relief, we can fill in the gap,” Feen said.

    And sometimes James said, veterans just need a break from life for a day

    “This is their village,” she said.

    [ad_2]

    Amber Gerard

    Source link

  • State grant helps Florida veterans get dental treatment

    [ad_1]

    OLDSMAR, Fla. — A grant from the Florida Veterans Foundation is helping vets across the state gain access to dental care they haven’t been able to afford or qualify for. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund received a $400,000 grant in May from the Florida Veterans Foundation

    • The money is meant to help veterans like Eric Tranholm, who did not previously qualify for dental help

    • Wounded Veterans Relief Fund has used $330,000 of the grant money so far


    Given to the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, the organization has helped 120 veterans get the dental help they need.

    “These veterans can be zero-service connected,” Tami Marti, the Director of Veterans Programs for the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund said. “And also it’s done by an eligibility through (a) financial 300% below poverty guideline. So it opens it up to be able to see more veterans.”

    Army veteran Eric Tranholm is one of the veterans who is now able to get the help he’s needed. 

    During his third appointment, he already knows what to expect. 

    “I’m getting my permanent crowns put in today, and I might be getting fitted for my partials,” he said. 

    Tranholm said his dental issues began in the early 90s while serving in the Army. 

    A manager at an auto-parts store, his teeth deteriorated to the point that he tried not to show them. 

    “I would hide my mouth when I talk, when I smile,” he said. “It was an embarrassment thing. I was very self-conscious of it.”

    At his first appointment, Tranholm had multiple fractured teeth, extensive decay, and significant pain. 

    Dr. Saed Sayegh, with Nova Dental, said if he had waited a few more years, most of his teeth would have had to be removed. 

    Tranholm remembers the moment he realized something needed to be done. 

    “I’m trying to chew food, and a large piece of food got lodged in my throat because I couldn’t chew it properly,” he said. “That’s when I knew I had to do something.” 

    Tranholm’s dental work is being made possible through the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund.

    They received a $400,000 grant in May from the Florida Veterans Foundation to help veterans like Tranholm. 

    One of the non-profit’s main missions is to help vets with their dental care.

    However, Tranholm wouldn’t have qualified before this grant despite the severity of his dental issues. 

    With no dental insurance and his disability not qualifying through the VA, he had no choice but to delay treatment. 

    “I have a family. $11,000 can go a long way for my family,” he said. “So that means I had to put myself on the back burner like I’ve done for the last 15 years.” 

    Wounded Veterans Relief Fund has used $330,000 of the grant money so far.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Homes for Our Troops builds home for injured veteran in Wesley Chapel

    [ad_1]

    WESLEY CHAPEL Fla. — An injured veteran is getting a brand-new home with the help from a nonprofit.

    Homes for Our Troops is building a home in Wesley Chapel with special accommodations for an injured veteran who’s moving to Florida.

    What You Need To Know

    • Homes for Our Troops is building a home in Wesley Chapel 

    • The new home is for Christopher Lawrence, a veteran

    • The veteran said he needs a house with special accommodations because of his injuries from being in the Marine Corps. 

    • Volunteers did the landscaping at the house on July 26, 2025


    On Saturday, over a hundred volunteers were putting the finishing on the house, getting it ready for its first resident, Christopher Lawrence.

    After watching the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as a high schooler, Lawrence said he knew he wanted to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He enlisted in 2005 and was stationed at Camp Pendleton before being deployed to Iraq two years later.

    “I wouldn’t recommend it for vacation. Iraq was hotter than this, wasn’t fun,” the veteran said.

    He was part of the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion in Iraq for about five months before he was severely injured.

    “Doing combat patrols, and walking over a bridge, and they blew the bridge up underneath me, and I lost my leg,” Lawrence said.

    He said everything was injured but his right arm. He eventually needed a wheelchair and said he had a hard time getting around his house. So, one of his friends recommended he reach out to the nonprofit Homes for Our Troops.

    “What good am I just laying on the couch, not able to do anything, making my wife do everything?” he said.

    Homes for Our Troops is now providing Lawrence and his family with a new home in Wesley Chapel. The house has specific modifications to meet the veteran’s needs.

    Christopher Lawrence (far right) and his familly is moving into this brand new home free of charge. Homes for Our Troops provided the home to the family. (Spectrum News/Tyler O’Neill)

    “This is the way to pay back the kind of sacrifices that they put up,” said Bob Samonte, IT Consultant for Homes for Our Troops.

    150 volunteers came out Saturday morning to do the landscaping in the front and backyard of the house.

    “It’s amazing to see the support from people that I don’t know in the community. You know, it makes me happy to be here,” Lawrence said.

    Lawrence hopes his new home lets him be a functional member of his family, he said.

    After all the volunteers left, the family got to see inside the home.

    The nonprofit said it expects Lawrence and his family to be able to move in during early September.

    Homes for Our Troops builds about 30 homes a year across the country, and since 2004, the nonprofit says it has built roughly 430 homes.

    [ad_2]

    Tyler O’Neill

    Source link