14
March 2017
The News of Sun City Center
Military News My Warrior’s Place
My Warrior’s Place was founded by Kelly Kowall to honor the memory of her son, Corey, and all those who have given their all for the United States Of America, so that our people to live a safe life! My Warrior’s Place exists “to honor, support, and promote healing of mind and spirit” for Military Service Members, Military Families, Blue Star, Silver Star and Gold Star Families, who have been forever changed by these fallen warriors. These selfless military keep our country and citizens safe. For the warriors who have returned from the battlefield, this place is a haven for them to heal and to Pictured are Kelly Kowall and Robert Winch, President of the Sun City Center find hope again. Photo Club. Robert is presenting Kelly There are many, many people and with a $500 check that was raised from the programs for helping these families cope sale of very beautiful calendars produced with grief, also mentoring programs from some outstanding photographers in for our warriors, who have returned to the club. Robert Winch had this wonderful us in not the best of condition. If you idea and for the past six months, club go to MyWarriorsPlace.org, there is an members sold the calendars. We hope this money can add to the wonderful work immense amount of information about being done for our courageous warriors. these programs. Maybe you have some special quality and ability that could make a big difference in someone’s life.Anyone interested in helping to support our service members, even if it is only to say, “Thank You For Your Service!” should make a visit My Warrior’s Place in Ruskin to see what is and can be done by lots of hands and hearts!
Silver Osprey Squadron Luncheon Friday, March 10
The Silver Osprey Squadron #64, a chapter of the Association of Naval Aviation will hold its March 10 luncheon at the Plaza Club, located on the Freedom Plaza campus. Meet and greet at 11 a.m., lunch at 12 noon. This month’s speaker will be Commander Adam C. Merrill, USCG. Commander Merrill will be presenting “The Battle History of the United States Coast Guard”. CDR Merrill presented a most interesting program last year on the history of the USCG here in the Tampa Bay area and his detail and passion brought the history to life. We anticipate that this year’s presentation will be no less inspiring and informative. CDR Merrill has logged more than 4,300 mishap-free flight hours in multiple military and civilian aircraft. This event is open to the public. Reservations must be received by Tuesday, March 7. Members, $14, nonmembers, $17. Make check out to Silver Osprey Squadron #64 and mail them to Mr. Tom Harding, 309 Noble Faire Drive, SCC, FL 2273. If you wish to be added to our email list or received information about membership please email CDR Roger Kennicutt, USN(ret) at tkennicutt@aol. com.
MFST Presented Artist Stuart Dwork Creations
By B. Frank Kepley CAPT USN (Ret) The Military Family Support Trust (MFST) sponsored a Stuart Dwork art show at the Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce on February 17, 2017. Dwork is a well-known, very talented artist famous for his “Never Forget Them” painting which is displayed permanently in a Central Command building at MacDill Air Force Base. He created the annual Star Spangled Art Show at Stuart Dwork and some of his paintings. Carrollwood Cultural Center, which features veterans including wounded veterans. MFST retained a portion of the sold artworks for their many charity programs. MFST is a 501(c)3 organization that supports through their grant programs military families, past and present. The beneficiaries include, but are not limited to: four year scholarships for high school seniors, JROTC Honors Program, Homeless Women Veterans, Operation Warm Heart, Veteran Guide Dog, Southeastern Guide Dogs Paws for Patriots program, My Warriors Place, Operation Helping Hand and sponsoring ‘Guardians’ for the Honor Flight Support Program. Brigadier Colin Howgill, RM is chairman of the MFST board and Nancy Alguire is president. Contributions are always welcome as without them none of the above assistance programs would be possible. For more information please visit their website at mfst.us or call Nancy Alguire at 813-634-4675.
Sara Romeo Addresses MOAA on Homeless Women Project
By B. Frank Kepley CAPT USN (Ret) Sara Romeo, Exec Dir/CEO, Tampa Crossroads was the featured speaker at the Military Officers of America Association (MOAA) monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. Sara began working with Tampa Crossroads after leaving the State House, where she worked as a Legislator. The primary focus of Tampa Crossroads was to reach ‘functional zero’ (no homeless women) by 30 December 2015. “We have always advocated for and championed the cause to assist those who need us, whether they are experiencing a mental health issue, substance abuse, lack of employment due to their disability, or more recently, homeless after serving our country,” she said. The program has been relentless in reaching that goal. MFST (the Military Family Support Trust) made routine contributions to Sara’s organization and presented her with a check for $1,000. Additionally, Kelly Kowall, owner of “My Warriors Place” was presented with a donation of $4,000 from MOAA (funds from their annual golf tournament). Kelly was also presented with a donation by Barbara O’Donnell (see photo), vice president of “Gone Stampin.” My Warriors Place is continuing to grow and serve the many veterans in need of assistance with their post active duty struggles. Kelly has done a magnificent job with her selfless endeavor, which is dedicated to her son who was killed in Afghanistan. And, Benny Blackshire was presented with a Leadership Award from the Florida Council of Chapters for his laudatory, diligent contributions to the Sun City Center MOAA chapter’s goals and achievements.
Commander Adam C. Merrill, USCG Doris Glass; Sara Romeo; Nancy Alguire, president of MFST.
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News of SSC Winter 16/17