Riverview/Apollo Beach
6
January 2024
Volume 22, Issue 1
Ph: 813-657-2418
Y EIAN R REVIEW
36
CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
LENNARD HIGH SCHOOL JROTC ARMY
INSTRUCTOR WINS RUSKIN VFW’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
By Madeline Gardner
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2118
Serving as the “And I’ve got JROTC Army into admit, that structor at Lenwas the best tour nard High School, — being a drill retired Master sergeant, out of Sgt. Alex Bailes all the things I defines JROTC did,” said Bailes. as an experience “… I’ve had a long come full circle. career, got to go After all, follow[to] a bunch of ing a discussion different placwith his own high es and jump out school Air Force Pictured from left to right: retired Lt. Col. Dave Dietz, of airplanes and ROTC instructor, Lennard High School JROTC senior Army instruc- have fun.” Bailes was first MSG (R) Bailtor; Richard Bell, Ruskin VFW Post 6287 Patriot’s introduced to the Pen co-chair; retired Master Sgt. Alex Bailes; and Pat es’ career tranBarr, VFW Post 6287 commander. idea of making sitioned when JROTC a part of his future he became a Military career during his senior Science and Leadership year. Now, after dedicat(MSL) instructor and seing 12 years to Lennard, nior Army instructor at he is being recognized for the University of Tampa. his commitment. Subsequently, as the UniOn Saturday, December versity of Tampa works 16 at 11 a.m., Bailes reclosely with the junior ceived Ruskin VFW Post programs, he began as6287’s Teacher of the sisting local JROTCs. Year award. Among those And in 2011, he applied present at VFW Post and began work as Len6287 to see Bailes accept nard’s own JROTC Army this accolade were retired instructor. Lt. Col. Dave Dietz, Lennard’s senior Now, Bailes’ focus is to propel his Army instructor, as well as VFW chap- cadets on the path to graduation and ter personnel. preparation for their lives thereafter. “I think they recognized that, as an Whether they choose to enlist in the milROTC department, we’re not only just itary or pursue a college degree, he cited instructors, you know. We give back to the growth of his cadets since the time the school and the community … in a of their participation in the high school countless number of ways,” said Bailes. program as most fulfilling. Before obtaining this position at Len“Honestly, the biggest reward is when nard, Bailes joined the military in 1988, the kids come back. Four or five years serving under airborne status for most later, when they come back, and they of his career. He was deployed to several get it — they get what you were trying locations around the world and served in to instill,” said Bailes. “… You hear good a variety of positions, from an airborne stories: they either got a job, family or instructor to an army drill sergeant. joined the military, or in college.”
RVR HORSE RESCUE FINDS NEW HOME IN LITHIA AS FOUNDER PASSES ON THE REINS
By Sharon Still
It takes a special around it for many type of person to run years,” she said. an animal rescue faAs her days windcility. Someone who ed down, Jayroe exis compassionate, perienced something selfless and possessthat made her know es a huge, strong that all of her efforts heart. Those are just were worth it. In a a few of the words story chronicled on that people use to her Facebook page, describe RVR Horse she tells of a Paso Rescue founder Fino that had been Shawn Jayroe. mentally and physiAs a child growing cally abused and had up on a 1,000-acre no use for humans. ranch in Texas, JayThat day, Charo, a roe dreamed of creparticular ornery RVR Horse Rescue founder Shawn Jayroe may ating a safe haven for be moving on, but the facility will continue to Paso Fino, stopped abused and neglectat the gate and bethrive under new leadership. ed animals where gan grooming Jaythey would be reroe as a way of sayhabilitated and find ing thank you. forever homes. She “Horses know. turned that dream They appreciate into reality, foundwhen humans are ing RVR Horse Reskind. From her, it cue nearly 15 years ago. will forever be ingrained in me that what “We will be their voice. No longer will they I’ve done with my life was appreciated by suffer abuse, neglect or hate. Dedicating our many horses,” Jayroe said. “They just have lives to saving theirs” became her tagline, different ways of showing it. It was an expeand she lived it. rience I won’t forget.” It started as a one-woman show with the “I thank everyone supporting RVR all of goal of helping the ones that did not have these years and I promise there are great a chance. When trying to juggle caring for things to come,” she concluded. 16 horses, running a hair salon and being There are many ways to help RVR Horse present at home, Jayroe realized she needed Rescue, such as donating, volunteering, help. She formed a 501(3)(c) corporation, sponsoring a horse, adopting a horse or handpicked a board of directors and the shopping the RVR Horse Rescue retail shop. RVR Horse Rescue continued blossoming RVR Rescue is a 501(3)(c) tax-deductible year after year, impacting countless lives. nonprofit organization and depends entirely Now, as she retires to focus on her health on volunteers. For further information about and family, she hands the reins over to fellow the facility, its programs and ways to get board member Julie Dennis, who previously involved, visit the organization’s Facebook served as vice president and events chair for page, go to https://rvrhorserescue.org/ or the organization. call 813-833-6426. “It will carry on, and that makes me happy,” said Jayroe. She explained that Dennis will move the rescue to Lithia and there also will be a fork of RVR in the Bradenton area. ABWC SCHOLARSHIPS ...................PG 3 “RVR will always be in my heart forever,” BELL SHOALS OPENS .......................PG 5 she said, adding that the mental toll is one of 55+ DISCOUNTS ...............................PG 10 the reasons that she is disconnecting from EYE ON BUSINESS ......................... .PG 25 the rescue. “To see what people do to these horses NEW CASTAWAY FALLS ... ...........PG 26 makes me angry and my entire life revolved
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