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Spirit of America OUR PRECIOUS FREEDOMS

Observer JULY 2019

SPIRIT OF AMERICA

YourObserver.com

JULY 2019

Supporting the American Dream Since 1976

As proudly independent as our wonderful nation, Michael Saunders & Company has supported the American Dream for more than 43 years by helping connect people and homes. We salute the many across the country working to achieve homeownership for themselves and their families and are honored to be part of their story.

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MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM | 888.552.5228 Licensed Real Estate Broker

SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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JULY 2019

Happy 4th of July

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

YourObserver.com

JULY 2019

CONTENTS

Deborah Beacham, PA

Mary Bailes climbed her way from flight nurse to colonel in the Air Force.

ALSO INSIDE Calendar..................6 Kids: Why we celebrate July 4..... 10 Letter from the Editor..................... 12 OUR PRECIOUS FREEDOMS Mary Bailes, Air Force ............... 14

1011 Casey Key

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Bill Sterbinsky, a Marine Corps veteran, chose to serve after 9/11.

Erica Gregory, Air Force ............... 16 Bill Sterbinksy, Marine Corps ....... 18 Alexander Figueroa, Army......................22 Max and Shirley Corley, Marine Corps........ 24 Gene Jones, Air Force............... 26

2016 Casey Key

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JROTC instructor Alexander Figueroa helps guide the next generation of servicemen and women.

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Gill Ruderman, Army......................28 Ernest Freedman, Navy...................... 30 Jack Ogren, Army......................32 Paige Krumwiede, Naval Academy.... 34 Amy Schlaf, Riveter.................. 36 Quiz........................38

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

YourObserver.com

JULY 2019

Fourth of July

Calendar

OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

TIPS

BRADENTON MARAUDERS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Start the Independence Day weekend right by watching the Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders go toe-to-toe with the Jupiter Hammerheads in a classic baseball competition. The gates open at 4:30 p.m. with the game starting at 6:30 p.m. at McKechnie Field at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. The first 1,500 guests to enter the stadium will receive a free T-shirt, and fireworks will follow the game. There will also be a patriotic-themed jersey auction sponsored by Budweiser. Tickets start at $7. Call 747-303.

Hydrate, and mind your sunscreen This might seem like something of a no-brainer, but many Americans are reported to be dehydrated — which might very well include you. So make sure you enjoy your Fourth of July to the fullest by bringing bottles of water to go along with other drinks. Try to stick to one bottle you can refill to avoid having too much plastic waste. Also make it a priority to put on sunscreen and reapply throughout your July 4 festivities. It’s all well and good to enjoy yourself at one of our many beaches, but don’t sacrifice your skin’s health in doing so.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

LONGBOAT KEY ANNUAL FREEDOM FEST AND HOT DIGGITY DOG PARADE Longboat Key’s perennial patriotic party kicks off at 9 a.m. with a quarter-mile parade starting at the Suntrust Bank building, 510 Bay Isles Road, and wraps up at the nearby Bicentennial Park. Attendees of all ages will throw on their most vibrant red, white and blue attire for a day of games, patriotism and celebration. The Rotary Club of Longboat Key will follow up the parade with its annual Hot Diggity Dog! Parade costume contest, where attendees and their dogs compete to be the best dressed, most original and most patriotic guests at the show. Free. Call 383-2466.

Lilly and Grace Gerling won “Most Patriotic” in the Hot Diggity Dog Contest with their dogs Sailor and Davy Jones.

ANNUAL FIRECRACKER 400 RACE Do your best to tame the seven seas in your one-design fleets and squadron PHRF sailboats at the annual 400 Firecracker Race, a pursuit-style race where the slower boats start first. The Independence

Day favorite has registration starting at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Interested parties must have a valid West Florida Performance Handicap Racing Fleet certificate to race in

Katie Johns

the PHRF Fleet. Visit the Sarasota Sailing Squadron website to learn about racing basics if you’re new to sailing. Entry fee is $10 a boat. Call 388-2355.

Take care of our community Be a good neighbor, and take care of your trash on the Fourth of July weekend. Make it a priority to recycle and reuse any trash you gather throughout the day, or at the very least, be sure to dispose of trash properly. Also consider using reusable tumblers, coolers and shopping bags to reduce your ecological footprint while celebrating on Sarasota’s various beaches.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

6 – 9:30 P.M. Celebrate the 4th of July at beautiful Selby Gardens.

Enjoy a family-friendly dance party with DJ Karolina Lira, savor All-American favorites from Michael’s On East’s grill (available for purchase), take part in a variety of family and children’s activities and games, and of course, enjoy the fireworks!

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SELBY EXPERIENCE passes include valet parking, open bar, food, and prime viewing of the fireworks from Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens. $150 GENERAL ADMISSION

General Public $35 /Members $25, 12 years and younger $10, 0 up to 3 years FREE

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS • 900 SOUTH PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236 • SELBY.ORG

SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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JULY 2019

Fireworks! WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

NATHAN BENDERSON PARK FIREWORKS SHOW Nathan Benderson Park will again be home to families, fireworks and fun at its third annual fireworks show. The familyfocused event will have its own “Fireworks 4 Miler” race around the park’s lake at 7 p.m., just before sundown. The race will provide a race shirt and medal for all participants. Fireworks explode over the water later in the night. Admission is free. Call 358-7275.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

PALMETTO FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency’s ninth annual Fourth of July Festival will again be a lively affair, with craft beer and food vendors for adults and a kids area that includes jump houses, a rock climbing wall, face painting stations and more in Sutton Park. The Rare Earth rock band will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. and open for the Mark Farner’s American Band before the fireworks show on Green Bridge at 9 p.m. Free. Call 723-4988. BAYFRONT FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR The Sarasota’s Powerboat Grand Prix signature fireworks spectacle will have its annual

festival and firework viewing at Island Park. But, as usual, the nighttime show can be seen from across all of Sarasota Bay. The show will have its share of available seating throughout Island Park along the bayfront. Show starts at 9 p.m. Call 4877904. 29TH ANNUAL SIESTA KEY COMMUNITY FIREWORKS The Siesta Key Community Fireworks show, now in its 29th year, has families and friends flocking to Siesta Key’s whitesand beaches for an evening of fun. The event, put together by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, hosts the community event on Siesta Key Beach. Fireworks are free, but the event has sponsorships available that provide free parking, free beverages and snacks, as well as preferred seating at the hospitality area for the best view. Viewing area opens at 6 p.m., and fireworks start at dusk. Call 349-3800. VENICE FIREWORKS There are few better ideas than traveling down Tamiami Trail to catch the impressive fireworks show launch from the south jetty at Venice Beach after sunset. The nighttime show can be checked out at several area beaches from Jaspersen to Nokomis. Other areas are good to see the event, too. Free.

File photo

Last year’s fireworks on Siesta Key Beach.

SARASOTA POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX SUNDAY, JUNE 30

BOAT & PERSONAL WATER WATERCRAFT ‘FUN RUN’ 10:00 a.m. Registration at 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota $20 per person Call 487-7904.

TUESDAY, JULY 2

‘THE DEADLIEST CATCH’ FISHING TOURNAMENT 9:00 a.m. Sarasota Outboard Club, 1604 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island Invitation Only

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

SARASOTA POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX FESTIVAL KICKOFF PARTY 6:00 p.m. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Grant Foyer, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota $75 per person Call 487-7904.

FRIDAY, JULY 5

‘MEET & GREET: WHO’S IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT’ RACE TEAM AUTOGRAPH SIGNING EVENT 1:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. $5 donation for adults, 18 & under are free Call 487-7904.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

CARS & MOTORCYCLE SHOW 10:00 a.m. Rossiter’s HarleyDavidson, 330 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota $20 entry fee per vehicle Call 487-7904.

‘BOATS ON THE BLOCK’ BLOCK PARTY 6:00 p.m. Main Street (Orange Avenue to Gulfstream Avenue & S. Palm Avenue) to Downtown Sarasota Free Call 487-7904.

File photo

Rick and Regina Taugner at last year’s Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival Kickoff Party.

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

YourObserver.com

JULY 2019

OBSERVER

TIPS

Watch out for marine life Keep in mind you won’t be the only ones on the water come Fourth of July. There’s quite a bit of aquatic life that you should look out for, dolphins in particular — they’re often found in the waters of Sarasota Bay and face the most accidents during the holiday weekend. Also consider the local sea turtle population, which is in the middle of its nesting season. Make sure chairs are removed from the beach area and that holes are filled in, so sea-bound turtles aren’t trapped. Hold off on using flashlights that can confuse newborn sea turtles as well.

Photos by Niki Kottmann

Above: Keely and Savannah Torres at Selby Gardens’ All-American BBQ in 2017. Top right: Oliver Schaible takes a rest after climbing the big banyan tree on the great lawn of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

MANATEE COUNTY ANNA MARIA ISLAND PRIVATEERS FOURTH OF JULY PARADE The Anna Maria Island Privateers will again bring swashbuckling fun to the Fourth of July with their annual public parade. The event is open to all interested parties, including local businesses, families and other salty sea dogs who are looking to live the pirate life. The early morning event kicks off at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and ends at City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Free. Email kb8746@gmail.com. SOUNDS OF INDEPENDENCE The Choral Artists of Sarasota’s annual Fourth of July Concert will premiere composer Jerry Bilik’s “Independence” piece, which is narrated by Sarasota poet and arts advocate Cedric Hameed and describes the events leading to the creation of the United States using quotes from British Parliament records. There is also a chorus capturing the emotions of the American colonists using text from the Declaration of Independence. The two-hour event at the Sarasota Opera

House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., will also have pieces celebrating American’s history and freedom. The program’s second half will have the Sarasota Concert Band, led by William Barbanera, joining the Choral Artists to perform July Fourth favorites, such as Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and Morton Gould’s “American Salute.” Tickets are $5 for students and start at $20 for adults, with a 10% discount for Happy Hour members. Call 387-6046. MYAKKA RIVER KAYAK FESTIVAL Return to the Myakka River for a day of river paddling at the annual Fourth of July kayak festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Held at Snook Haven, 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice, the family festival has food, drinks including 30 different craft and domestic beers, live Folk Americana music and the expected canoe and kayak rentals to ensure a lively Fourth of July. Free. Call 484-7362. SARASOTA COUNTY ALL-AMERICAN COOKOUT If you prefer a more natural venue for your July Fourth merriment,

check out the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ All-American Cookout. The evening event will have a family-friendly dance party, allAmerican food from Michael’s On East for purchase, and a number of activities and games before the fireworks. General admission is free for children up to 3, $10 for children 4-12, $25 for members and $35 for general public. VIP Selby Experience tickets are also available. Call 366-5731.

Pay attention to your pets The Fourth of July is a dazzling and enjoyable time for humans — less so for dogs and other pets. Make sure your dogs have had a good amount of exercise earlier in the day and are resting inside your home when the fireworks begin. It might also be good to close the windows and blinds and have a safe place for your pet to stay. It can be hard for dogs to deal with sounds they can’t quite understand, so make July Fourth as easy on them as possible.

FRIDAY, JULY 5

2019 LIBERTY LITTER CLEANUP If you’re wanting some civic engagement to follow your Fourth of July festivities, try the Keep Sarasota County Beautiful’s annual cleanup event. The 2019 “Liberty Litter Cleanup” event has hundreds of volunteers picking up trash and refuse at Lido Beach, Siesta Beach, North Jetty Park, Ted Sperling Park and a number of other locations. The cleanup starts at 7 a.m. sharp and usually wraps by 8:30 or 9 a.m. Call 861-5000, or visit sarasotacountygovernment.com for the online sign-up form.

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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JULY 2019

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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JULY 2019

Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July?

“To celebrate our freedom. We have to be thankful for the freedom that we have, that they gave to us.” –Abigail Meyer, 7

“Because it’s the day that America got its independence. Then we get freedom to do what we want. It’s like America’s birthday, basically.”

“To support our country.” –Davian Slabach, 8

–Brandon Clevenger, 10

“To celebrate the day we won independence. Because independence is like freedom, and we won freedom on that same day. So it’s basically America’s birthday.”

“Because it’s the day that America fought, and that’s how we got our freedom. We celebrate and have fun with our families and care for who fought in the war.”

–Hayden Baker, 10

–Layla Lorenz, 7

“We celebrate freedom, so we don’t get ruled by kings and queens, and so we don’t need to do like really high taxes or let England take over.” –Jonathan Bell, 9

Eat,P lay,Shop

where to

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NEW HOBIE MIRAGE PASSPORT

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Hobie is world renowned for designing pedal kayaks that are fun & functional. With the tried-and-true MirageDrive Classic with ST Fins, it’s possible to reach isolated beaches & remote waters. We bring you closer to nature & further from the hustle & bustle. The Passport takes you anywhere with ease & world-class authority. Offered at our least expensive Mirage Drive price, only $1359.

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No Better Place! Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal pontoon boat, single sculls. Weekday drop-ins, weekends and special requests by appointment. Call us today for discount pricing and to reserve! 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota 941.358.7275 nathanbendersonpark.org

5212 Ocean Blvd 941.346.7712 islandtradersiesta.com CHICKEN. JUST MADE, BETTER.

CHICKEN. Award-winning PDQ restaurant, short for “People Dedicated to Quality,” features its famous hand-breaded chicken tenders, signature homemade sauces, fresh made-to-order sandwiches and hand-spun milkshakes.

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Located in the heart of Siesta Key Village, shop for cool swim and surf wear from Maaji, Hobie, Roxy to Costa, Maui Jim and RVCA at Beach Bazaar. Across the street at Island Trader, you’ll find one-of-a-kind fashions and gift items, from Wishlist, Simply Southern and Uno de 50. We are your source for cool and chic beachwear for everyone in the family!

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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JULY 2019

From the eyes of a child, July 4 is all hotdogs and fireworks. But what more might be behind the day? From freedom to taxes and more, campers at the Evalyn Sadlier Jones YMCA weigh in on what the Fourth of July is all about. SAMANTHA CHANEY | STAFF WRITER

“Because it’s Independence Day. It’s the day that America won the war against Britain to be its own colony. Freedom is important because people should have their own rights.”

“We celebrate America’s independence. We’re free, and we could do whatever we like, besides illegal things. Spending time with your family.”

“Because you have fun in the snow.” –Logan Maine, 6

“We got our freedom because we were slaves because of the king of England.” –Sarah von Suski, 7

–Lillian Anderson, 9

–Leo Nevidonski, 9

“Because the Fourth of July is the day that the Declaration of Independence was signed, which gave the U.S. freedom. And now, to this day, after 300 years we still light fireworks and eat food.”

“Because it’s America’s birthday. I think it’s important because of the fact that people found this place, and we want to celebrate it while we still have it.” –Victoria Goodwin, 12

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Enjoy superb Japanese cuisine that is fun, fascinating and delicious. Choose between our traditional dining or Hibachi table side cooking by classically trained chefs. Visit Daruma tonight for an elegant dining experience!

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–Timothy Nesanelis, 10

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ISLAND PEARL EXCURSIONS

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Island Pearl Excursions operating from Bradenton Beach Marina on Anna Maria Island offers a variety of daily boat trips, from dolphin watching to sunset cruises, fishing trips & private charters. Egmont Key tours & island sightseeing cruises are among the favorites. We match your group size and excursion type to one of our three different vessels for a great on the water experience. Call us for more info: 941-780-8010 | Located in Bradenton Beach Marina

402 Church Ave, Bradenton Beach 941.780.8010 | islandpearlexcursions.com

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Enjoy a scenic drive along the Gulf, take in the sunset & find yourself at the quaint & popular Euphemia Haye, known for its award-winning, globally inspired menu. Reservations are recommended for downstairs fine dining. Upstairs, the Haye Loft is home to an upscale lounge with live music & the can’t miss dessert room with more than a dozen homemade desserts available.

SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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JULY 2019

Honoring the fight for freedom

NBP Fireworks On The Lake

At Nathan Benderson Park

Wednesday, July 3 Gates open at 4 p.m.

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hen we plan this section every year, we seek ways to explore and show the American experience. We look for the things we have in common, the ties that bind us as a people. These days, when it seems like there’s more to argue about than agree upon, this may seem like a struggle. But actually, when you start digging below the surface of current events and conflict, you realize one of the most beautiful things about our country is a set of freedoms that serve as its bedrock. Think about it: Our country was founded by a group of revolutionaries who refused to bow to foreign control and subjugation. Freedom is at the heart of our founding principles. But, as the cliche goes, freedom isn’t free. The only way to preserve our rights as a people is to fight for them. Thankfully, we also have a tradition of having those who are willing to fight to protect these freedoms. When you look around the world, this is the strength of our power — not only do we unite around these values of independence, but we’re also willing to step up to keep them. We’ve dedicated the following pages to those who have fought for that freedom. We wanted to hear what it means to them from their

perspective, and in their words. After all, these are the folks willing to sacrifice everything to preserve our way of life, and in doing so, they served in a lot of places that don’t enjoy the same protections. They saw people who didn’t have any semblance of equality, or justice, or rights. They’ve been in places where people didn’t get to choose their leaders, or start a business or get an education. These veterans’ experiences are enlightening, but they’re also a good reminder of the equality we’ve gained in our own country over the years. This section is our way of honoring all who served. Some of them were by choice, some by draft, one who wasn’t in the military, but served her country by going to a factory every day to make bombs for the war. Paige Krumwiede, a recent graduate of the Naval Academy who is attending flight school to become a pilot, summed up her sense of duty by sharing her class motto: “Omnibus Ante Me,” — “for those before me.” On this holiday of celebration, how better to honor our country than to think of those before us? So when you’re out enjoying the day, take a moment to remember those who worked and sacrificed to defend our most precious gift — our freedom. — KAT HUGHES, EDITOR

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JUST LISTED

OUR PRECIOUS FREEDOMS

Mary Bailes AIR FORCE

INTERVIEWED BY SAMANTHA CHANEY

hen 84-year-old Col. Mary Bailes entered the U.S. Air Force as a flight nurse in 1958, the United States was already three years deep in the Vietnam War. Bailes

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says the evolution of women’s rights throughout her service has had a major impact on her perception of American freedom.

“I always wanted to be a nurse. [Flight nursing] just played right into what I wanted to do.”

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“We didn’t only go into Air Force bases. We would go into Army and Navy and Marines. Meeting people and socializing with them — it was just fun. Just meeting people. Taking care of their health and well-being, and seeing that they get back to health. And teaching them how to take care of whatever is wrong with them.” “I wanted to serve my country, and I felt like I had the best job in the military. You’re taking care of everybody

— dependents and the military men and women. The women were few and far between when I went in, but there were a lot of nurses.” “Teaching one-on-one was my ultimate goal — making sure [soldiers] understood what was going on with their bodies.” “It’s just all evolved. [Women in World War II] paved the way. World War II couldn’t have happened without the women.” “I’ve seen a lot of changes for women. Because the rank was not

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“It wasn’t until 1976 that President [Lyndon B.] Johnson signed into law that women could become full colonels and above permanently. So then that opened the door for all of us to get promoted.” “Another example in my time was that, in my first assignment, the men could live off base if they wanted to, and that way they would get paid for their housing. But women? They were afraid something would happen to us,

so we had to stay on base. … But that changed. We broke down each barrier.” “I saw what it was like in other countries, and so I measure how other people live and how less freedom that they have and how restrictive it is there. And I come back to this country, and I just think, ‘I’m so thankful that I live in this country.’” “I think we just have the freedom to do what we wish. Freedom is a wonderful word. You can’t really pick out one [specific freedom or right] above the others because they’re all precious.” “I think that the word freedom is just a precious word. And you don’t ever want to lose it. Freedom means so many wonderful, wonderful things.”

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there for women. As an example, the chief of the Corps — when I first went in, in 1958 — was only a major. But that changed: She became a lieutenant colonel, and shortly thereafter she was able to be a full colonel.”

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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JULY 2019

OUR PRECIOUS FREEDOMS

Erica Gregory AIR FORCE INTERVIEWED BY JAY HEATER

arasota’s Erica Gregory retired after a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force. Growing up with an Air Force veteran father and an immigrant mother, she learned early to re-

spect America’s freedoms. That respect was strengthened after she graduated from the Air Force Academy and through her service.

“My family was very patriotic overall and had a great deal of pride in our country. My dad, Eric Stone, served in the Air Force. My mother, Domini Stone, was an immigrant from the Dominican Republic. Our freedoms were very personal to her. She had a great appreciation for what this country had to offer. Our flag was flying every day.” “My mom came to this country when she was 8 or 9. She talked to me about what it was like to find the opportunities she had here. My grandmother would take the money she earned, and she would invest in property; she would invest in the American dream. …

My mother told us the story of how she got an apple for Christmas one year, and that was the best thing. They were trying to build a life here.” “The interesting part is that we didn’t have to talk a lot about our freedoms. It was the way we grew up. There was never a moment that I didn’t think I could be anything I wanted to be. I visited the Dominican Republic as a child, and then (husband) Tommy and I took the kids (Grant, 17; Eric, 16; Noah, 13) to the Dominican Republic and lived there a year after we retired [from the military]. We wanted to show the kids that aspect

of life. One thing we learned was that when you immerse yourself in the culture, the Dominican Republic’s people were warm, loving and protective. Tommy and I took Spanish immersion classes. But it was exposure to a different way of life. It gives you appreciation for our freedoms.” “It was like that living in Iraq and in Japan [with the Air Force], which gave me appreciation for what we have here, things we take for granted, like safety. We live without bars on our windows here, which is a part of life in other countries. The way I grew up, I

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recognized when I was young that this was what we were protecting.” “We will continue to think about our freedoms. We’ve got friends who are serving, and we try to instill these things — respecting our flag, advocating for veterans, being involved — in our children. These are things that everyone can do as a reminder of our freedoms, rather than just celebrating once or twice a year. We don’t want to lose our patriotism and respect as the years go by.”

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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JULY 2019

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JULY 2019

OUR PRECIOUS FREEDOMS

Bill Sterbinsky MARINE CORPS INTERVIEWED BY WHITNEY ELFSTROM

orn and raised in Sarasota, Bill Sterbinsky always knew he wanted to serve, but it was 9/11 that put everything into perspective. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at 17

years old after his emancipation and now reflects on what his time in the military meant and how freedom touches his life every day.

“I remember … seeing people jumping around and saying things and yelling. And I remember walking into a small dressing room, and this itty-bitty TV was on, and the [twin] towers were up there. One was burning, and we saw the second bird hit the second building. And we were just like, ‘What the heck are we watching?’ … Probably about 24 to 48 hours after that I was like: ‘All right. I gotta do something.’” “The First Amendment — right to assemble, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press — I think is paramount. It allows us to reflect internally, and it allows us to

question ourselves. Now the problem, though, is the human brain is a double-edged sword. It’s our greatest ally and our worst enemy. We will create our own problems through that First Amendment protection, but you can’t stop [the freedom of speech’s] need to remain; we just have to be careful of how we go forward.” “All of us could rise to the same level of understanding, but it just depends on the avenues that we take to get there. My avenue happened to be the military, but my avenue [of understanding] wasn’t just the military. It began when I used to travel with my

grandfather, who was an anthropologist in Central America. We used to see poverty; we used to see middle class — which is slim-to-none in those thirdworld countries — and then we would see the opposite side, the other 1%. So my thoughts and process began there — of what freedom is, what rights are and what the Bill of Rights are. It then furthered and grew stronger when I went in the military service.”

“For those young people that find themselves making that decision [to serve] yesterday, today or tomorrow, I would just tell them to stay focused on their goals. Everything else is a mere distraction. And that you’re never alone because there’s always likeminded people that have experienced the same human emotion you have. It’s just that maybe their story to get to that emotion was a little bit different.”

“All you can think about in that moment when you’re overseas is dying for your brothers. You don’t realize what you’re dying for; you just know that you’re dying for them.”

“We have a country over here that is able to speak freely, give credence to its members of society instead of subjugate them and listen to [all] genders. To me, that’s freedom.”

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JULY 2019

OUTDOOR POLY SALE

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

YourObserver.com

JULY 2019

— The SpiriT of Caldwell —

“We are so proud of our people, of what we do, and what we stand for.” - R.G. “Kelly” Caldwell, Jr.

Roland Caldwell US Navy - 1952 - 1954 Father (and Mother) of R.G “Kelly” Caldwell, Jr.

Master Sergeant James R. Gordon, Jr. USMC - 1995 to 2006 USAF - 2011 to Present Brother of Reppard Gordon

William J. McKeon US Army Air Corps February 1941 - June 1945 Father of Mary McKeon

Ben LaLande US Navy Silent Service (Submarines) December 2007 - March 2017 Grandson of Edrise Sievers

PFC Zach Caldwell Venice Middle Young Marines August 2018 - Current Son of R.G. “Kelly” Caldwell, Jr.

Janine Trammel, Technical Sergeant and husband Travis Woolever, Master Sergeant US Air Force - 49th Air Base Wing Niece and niece’s husband of Elaine Griffin

E5 Sgt James R. Gordon USMC Jan 1969 - June 1975 Father of Reppard Gordon

Sergeant William A. Holmes Army Air Forces October 1942 - September 1945 Father of Roxanne Hirter

Corporal John B. Holmes Marine Corps December 1941 - June 1945 Uncle of Roxanne Hirter

James C. Holmes US Navy July 1943 Uncle of Roxanne Hirter

Sergeant Nick Kristie US Army September 1997 - June 2003 Brother of Sonya Kristie

William McKeon US Army September 1965 - May 1991 Brother of Mary McKeon

Sergeant Geoffrey D. Norton D.C. US Air Force August 1972 - August 1976 Father of Teri Norton

Seaman Lowell S. Pettit- E3 United States Coast Guard January 2018 - Current Son of Kim Pettit

Howard Sievers Corporal in the US Army March 1953 - March 1955 Husband of Edrise Sievers

Christian Sievers US Air Force June 2012 - Current Grandson of Edrise Sievers

Staff Sergeant Scott Wisotzke USMC June 1991 - December 2008 Brother of Sheryl Vieira

William J. Wisotzke US Army September 1961 - June 1964 Father of Sheryl Vieira

LT. Colonel Jim Sievers US Air Force June 1992 - December 2013 Son of Edrise Sievers

Thank you for your service and for our freedo

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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JULY 2019

HAPPY FOURTH of JULY!

PFC Zach Caldwell and his father, Kelly Caldwell, paid tribute during the 75th anniversary parade of D-Day with the Venice Middle Young Marines in Normandy..

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om.

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JULY 2019

OUR PRECIOUS FREEDOMS

Alexander Figueroa ARMY INTERVIEWED BY JAY HEATER

raden River High Army instructor Alexander Figueroa is a career military soldier. His wife, Wilma, was an Army staff sergeant, and his daughters, Dominique and Victoria, are

military as well. He now helps his junior ROTC students understand their freedoms and the importance of protecting them.

“Growing up, I watched Army movies — that was the nature of [my dad’s] background. Me joining the service was a no-brainer. I loved the successes of the heroes that had been portrayed in those movies. I wanted to be a part of history based on what I saw.”

where do I need to be? Should I teach, coach, lead? I want to give back to the community in the best way I can. I felt I was anointed in my calling. What’s a better way to give back than teaching and mentoring our youth?” “Every morning, our students read the Cadet Creed. It’s about who they are and what being a cadet is all about. It’s about their responsibilities, and it’s about understanding the values we instill in them. It tells

“In JROTC, I see myself as being all I can be to serve people. It’s not work for me, but it’s me giving back. When I got ready to retire from the military, I prayed. This is all I know. My future …

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

YourObserver.com

JULY 2019

Celebrate the 4th of July at Sarasota Jungle Gardens!

them to live it. It’s a mission statement that empowers our students to become better students. We teach government as it’s related to the U.S. Constitution and their natural rights. Sometimes we don’t appreciate civil liberties we have.”

the inside out. Ultimately, we have to choose. We never can be free from it. How do we manage and control it? You can never erase the memories, but you can better manage the results.”

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“Everybody has a journey, and I have a sense of gratitude for being able to serve. It’s going to be unique to everyone … who they are in transforming to what they will become. I am a better human being, not only from serving, but experiencing things I was able to do as service member. For me, part of the fabric of who we are in serving is knowing we are making a difference in protecting our freedoms. I knew we were helping our neighbors remain free from oppression.”

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“We also look at all those things in the preamble of the U.S. Constitution. If we live by that and understand what it means — and it’s so powerful — that’s the fabric of who we should be.” “When you get home [from a tour], you know we become what we think about. Our training affects our habits and affects who we are. If you can control your thoughts, you can control your behavior. Transformation never comes from the outside in but from

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SPIRIT OF AMERICA

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JULY 2019

Celebrating AMERICA

OUR PRECIOUS FREEDOMS

Max and Shirley Corley

and THANKING our Veterans today and always!

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tired a captain. Max served from 1971-95 in the infantry and

Shirley: “I always had jobs, and the worst ones were when they go, ‘Well, how fast can you type?’ I was in the pink ghetto forever, and you see all of these men making so much more money; even for equal jobs, they’re just not paying the women. It’s just pin money for you if you’re a woman. With the military, it’s equal pay, and I thought that was a pretty good deal.” Max: “I went on active duty for a multitude of reasons, very few of which were what you would call high-level reasons. I went to leap tall buildings in a single bound and to travel overseas and have adventures. It’s only later, as you get older and mature, that you start to think about the freedoms that you’re actually protecting.”

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Max: “One day, I sent one of my lieutenants over to her office because we were having an event. … And my lieutenant came back and said, ‘Boy, you ought to check out the cute lieutenant that works at the base photography.’ So I did, and the rest, as they say, is history. We just celebrated our 40th anniversary.”

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hey were both Marines when they met. Shirley served from

retired as a lieutenant colonel. They say that as civilians now, their

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Shirley: “From my time overseas, I learned that Americans don’t understand how much people overseas want to come here and be one of us.”

Max: “I think the thing that makes us different and the right I’m most proud of having defended is the right of Americans to express themselves, to disagree with their government in a hopefully peaceful, respectful manner. I think especially in today’s times, with the political discourse in this country, I think that’s an absolute requirement that people be able to express themselves.” Max: “You don’t have to spend a lot of time in the third world or in authoritarian governments to be affected. For example, when we went to Saudi Arabia, you look around, and you see how the Saudis are treating their own people, how they’re treating their women, what the quality of life is in terms of not only material benefits, but the expectations for education, etc. You come back, and you just want to kiss the ground when you get off your plane in America.” Shirley: “Every time people find out we’re veterans, the first thing people say is, ‘Thank you for your service.’ And we’ve talked to so many veterans, and we all go, ‘Too bad they don’t know how much fun it was.’ You get paid; they give you food; they give you clothes. You’re like Rambo out there with an uzi, firing a tank gun.”

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Gene Jones

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INTERVIEWED BY DAVID CONWAY

lorida Veterans for Common Sense President Gene Jones believes in the importance of speaking out. Jones, a linguist and analyst stationed in Japan in 1964-68, formed the

organization with other Vietnam-era veterans to object to the 2003 Iraq invasion. The nonprofit remains vocal about veterans’ issues.

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“Understand one thing right up front: Our group — we are not pacifists. Far from it. But we do not believe in unnecessary war.” “[Our experience] shaped us very personally because many of our friends were either killed or maimed or made sick from unnecessary war. We knew it was going to happen again. What happened was, we have all this backlog of vets that can’t get into [Veterans Affairs]. Vets don’t get the attention they need; vets don’t get the medical care they need; vets end up being homeless; vets end up with PTSD; vets end up poisoned because they’re exposed to all sorts of toxic chemicals. It’s just a waste.”

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“Our vice president was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for 56 months. While he was in prison camp, the North Vietnamese took all the prisoners out every day, and to ruin their morale, they showed them a film of protesters in the United States protesting the Vietnam War. But their propaganda backfired: Instead of lowering the morale of the troops, my friend said he saw that, and it made him so happy to know he lives in a society where people can get out and do that — and he was supposedly defending their rights to do that. He said it was just wonderful to see that.”

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“The camaraderie of my fellow veterans — that really gives me motivation every day. What I’ve seen

with my fellow veterans — I’ve seen this exploitation. I have friends that were sent to unnecessary war that are sick for the rest of their life. When you see that, it makes you very unhappy. My heart just goes out to them. I want to make sure that doesn’t happen to somebody else. Right now, what I see is that it is happening to other people. That’s not right. We all need to be doing something about that.” “It’s really fine that people say ‘Thank you for your service,’ but I would like it a lot better if they would say ‘I’m going to work for peace.’” “We’ve seen [our democracy strengthen] before. We know it can happen. What it takes for it to happen is for people to speak out, to exercise our rights. If you have a right that you don’t exercise, you’re going to lose it. We may be in danger of that.” “The nice thing about it is [that] our values give us a way to be smart. We just have to live up to them.” “As patriots, we have a responsibility to speak out. The person that’s unpatriotic is the person that’s not speaking out, even if they disagree with me. I want to hear from them, and I want to talk with them. That’s what a democracy is all about, and that’s what we support. I mean, we have a right of free speech — let’s talk to one another. There’s no way I’m going to call somebody unpatriotic because they disagree with me.”

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is pleased to welcome Robert ToaleToale, & Sons, Robert Debbie Toale and their sons, Jason and Jeff, to our family Welcome to theof firms in Sarasota and Manatee County. As proud Dignitymembers Memorial of family. North America’s largest network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers, the Toale family will continue their commitment to serving families with personal, compassionate care.

The Robert Toale family and staff remember our veterans and those who have paid the cost of our freedom THE DIGNITY MEMORIAL NETWORK

In honor of the Toales and in recognition of their longstanding dedication to the Sarasota and Bradenton area communities, three local funeral homes will be renamed to reflect this change in leadership, and two of the funeral homes will undergo renovations to better serve our community with beautiful new facilities and enhanced capabilities. Rely on the Toale family and your local Dignity Memorial professionals to help you and your loved ones celebrate each life like no other.

THE DIGNITY MEMORIAL NETWORK is pleased to welcome Robert Toale, Debbie Toale and their sons, Jason and Jeff, to our family of firms in Sarasota and Manatee County. As proud members of North America’s largest network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers, the Toale family will continue their commitment to serving families with personal, compassionate care.

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Gill Ruderman

JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI LOUNGE

ARMY INTERVIEWED BY PAM EUBANKS

ast County resident Gill Ruderman might have emigrated from Palestine in about 1948, but his allegiance has always been to the U.S. He volunteered to fight in the Vietnam War

and served in the Army for 26 years. He said his Palestinian heritage has helped shaped his perspective on freedoms.

“I think, very simply, I admired what my father was doing [in the U.S. Army] and wound up not having a great desire to do anything else.” “Before we came to America, we traveled through Arab countries in Africa and the Middle East. My mother used to tell the story of how we were traveling through a non-Palestinianfriendly area. They put something on my lips to make me sleepy, so I wouldn’t speak words in Hebrew at an inappropriate time.”

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“My limited experience as a non-American living in that part of

the world has clearly made me more appreciative of our freedoms and lifestyles, even back 60 years ago.” “Some people say they loved every day they had in uniform. I cannot say that. Some experiences in Vietnam were not rewarding. But I enjoyed my career, almost every aspect of it.” “[During Vietnam], the country was divided. We knew that. We knew there were protests. We knew it was an unpopular war. I heard stories of some of my West Point classmates who got out and joined the protest movement. It never affected my desire

THANKFUL FOR THE JOB THEY DO FOR US AND THE SACRIFICES THEY MADE FOR OUR FREEDOM and we are honored to work side by side with them. We are so grateful for the service they gave to this country and we are proud to have them on our team now servicing our clients. We want to thank all of the Veterans who served our country and our heroes who continue to fight for our freedom today. Thank you to the families who support them here at home. We cannot thank you enough.

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to be a member of the Army. My belief, feelings about the Army, were stronger than the negative aspects of serving at that time.” “For food in Vietnam, we had what was called C-rations. The C stood for combat. Some of it was so bad, no matter what you did to it, it was terrible. Some of it was palatable. I’m sure some of the stuff I was eating in the ’60s was packaged in the ’50s. I didn’t think about that then. If it was a meal, you were grateful. You ate when you could. The Army did a great job providing us rations, in my experience.” “At a middle school presentation about 10 years ago, a student asked if we considered ourselves heroes. In my opinion, most of us try to downplay

JULY 2019

that. The heroes are the soldiers who didn’t come back.” “Patriotism is believing in your country and working or helping to strengthen that belief. Everyone should contribute to the concept of ‘compulsory service.’ Don’t just say it; do something about it. It’s like having a ‘God Bless America’ sticker or ‘We Support Veterans’ sticker on your car but yet not contributing in any way, shape or form.”

It’s never too late to say thank you to our military veterans.

“I wasn’t involved with veterans organizations until we moved here in 1991. I think it’s important if you have a skill or an opportunity to utilize your skills, you shouldn’t stop using them. One of my group’s mottos was, ‘Never stop serving.’ I try to do that.”

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Ernest Freedman NAVY INTERVIEWED BY BRYNN MECHEM

he Lakewood Ranch resident was a medic in the Navy and Fleet Marine Force. Freedman was stationed in the Philippines and North Vietnam in 1966-70. His time in the

service opened his eyes to American freedoms and encouraged him to fight even while those he was fighting to protect were protesting.

“At the time, it was either go into the military or get drafted. I was in school, and … the Navy at least gave me the opportunity to finish one year of college.” “I was going to go in after I graduated college because I thought it’d be a good learning experience. What you learn in school is book learning, not the practical application. I was single, on my own, and I thought it would be something different to do, and of course, I wanted to serve my country.” “The right to protest, I think, is important. I saw that right first-hand.

At first, I was taken aback by it, but it wasn’t an all-volunteer service when I went in. Some people were drafted, and some people enlisted on their own, wanting to serve. From that standpoint, I thought people have the right to speak their mind.” “You really didn’t have time to think about it. When you’re there, you just want to stay alive. I saw some [backlash] if I was traveling around in uniform. In fact, I was in an airport, and I didn’t have any other clothes, and people would call you names and spit at you. That hurt. That definitely takes its toll, but it was a different

time, different place. … Would I do it again? I would.” “Not having the opportunity for [people in the countries where I fought] to have medical access, from my point of view, was astronomical. I don’t know how they ever survived. They didn’t know what penicillin was, and it cured everything.” “I think that’s the realism of war — you know what you’re fighting for because you know what you have. You sit there and say: ‘Gee, I never really thought about it. It’s just something that’s there. I was born [in America].

I have all these freedoms. I can do what I want, go where I want.’ When you see these people that don’t have them and never had them, you start to realize how good you have it.” “If they see what they’re missing, and that’s what they want, then they really fight harder because they know what freedom is about because they see us. That’s what they want. They want the freedoms we have, which made me want to keep those freedoms for the people at home.”

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State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, religion, age, national origin/ethnicity, color, marital status, disability, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its educational programs, services or activities, including admission and employment. Direct inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies to: Equity Officer, 941-752-5323, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207.

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Jack Ogren ARMY INTERVIEWED BY JAY HEATER

rotecting freedom was prominent early in the life of Tara’s Jack Ogren. When he was a high school senior, conversations included the Cuban Missile Crisis and communism.

He served three years in the Army and reached the corporal rank.

“I enlisted in 1962. I knew Russia was after us at the time. Vietnam was going on. It was a tough time. We eventually lost 10 people from my high school [in Blue Island, Ill.] in Vietnam. I signed up for electronics and went off to Fort Knox for basic training. Then I was sent to the missile site in Addison, Ill. It was an underground missile site that was there to protect the Great Lakes Naval Station. I got there in September of that year. It was October when the Cuban Missile Crisis hit.” “The Cuban Missile Crisis lasted 13 days. We were restricted to post at the time. I was a missile repairman, and I went to a panel operator. At the time,

we almost shot down an airplane, but it finally was identified right before we did. … There was no monkeying around at that time.” “After three months there, they called me in and told me I was headed to Germany. I was going to a base that was doing the same thing: protecting a U.S. Air Force base. It was nip and tuck at the time with Russia. I was also in Germany when President [John F.] Kennedy was assassinated. We were at full alert for three days. Many thought the Russians were involved.” “We are still on the edge. We have North Korea, Iran, Russia, China. There

never is going to be an end in the Middle East. I definitely believe there needs to be an awareness of what our soldiers do to protect our freedoms. I had friends who came back from Vietnam where people spit on them. Some of those guys won’t go to veterans’ functions now because they feel the government let them down.” “I don’t know I ever really understood PTSD until I got hooked up with the Elks. It wasn’t that long ago the Elks took 18 veterans — some who suffered from PTSD — to SMART (Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy). We taught them how to groom a horse. They had a great time. But dealing with them — those guys look right through you. This PTSD stuff is real. We also invited three of those

guys to dinner with their wives. We couldn’t get them to open up. Eventually, we all had some drinks, and they relaxed. They were dancing with their wives, who were crying. The wives told us it was the first time they had been able to open up and relax. … I know a family whose son was run over by a Humvee ... what it did to that family. How many widows are out there?” “There is no country like this. I have neighbors from England, and they say it takes them six months from now to get an appointment because of their government medical. We have socialism in the world, and we don’t want it — the government running everything. You’ve lost your freedoms. I don’t like government-run countries.”

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Paige Krumwiede

AMERICA

NAVAL ACADEMY

INDEPENDENCE DAY

INTERVIEWED BY JAY HEATER

he Tara Preserve resident became the first Braden River High graduate to receive a diploma from the U.S. Naval Academy on May 24. She is 23. Krumwiede is now headed

to flight school Sept. 13 at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola as an ensign. She was a junior ROTC member at Braden River High.

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“At the Naval Academy, I was reminded of the price of our freedoms every day when I was walking through the cemetery or through the academy itself. [In a dormitory rotunda, there] is Memorial Hall, which has all the names of [2,600 Naval Academy graduates who died in military operations] on the walls. You look around every time you walk through. That’s powerful, that these people would give up their lives for our freedoms. It’s a good reminder that is what you

signed up for. It’s inspiring to be part of something that large.” “At the Naval Academy, it’s always fascinating. A woman can grow to achieve a leadership role. Sometimes it’s like the Naval Academy is a petting zoo with all the people from different countries taking photos. I’m probably on somebody’s refrigerator. But you see all walks of life — people from Russia, China, Armenia. You stop and talk to them. I remember one person

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JULY 2019

in particular from China. I said I was going to be a pilot. She said, ‘Oh, you mean you’re going to be a nurse.’ I got the same question from a guy from Russia. They were surprised because I wouldn’t have that opportunity there.” FOLLOW US ON

“You see places where you can’t choose your leadership. We are empowered here. You should be an active voter. Your vote counts. You can play a part. You can be part of the decision of what rules we will have in place. I think JROTC for me was crucial in learning that. It taught you how to be a good citizen. It taught me the stories the people who we have lost fighting for our freedoms.”

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“When you think about our freedoms, you might take a trip to Arlington Cemetery. Just take a moment, and walk around. Take it in. They were willing to give it all to protect our freedoms.”

“Our class crest motto is ‘Omnibus Ante Me,’ or ‘for those before me.’ As a class we voted on that motto because it illustrates how we will never forget

those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and those who lost their lives on 9/11. It’s on our class rings, serving as a constant reminder that we are a part of a greater mission to protect the American way of life, a force built on tradition and passion to serve and defend.”

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“I am nervous, but I trust in the training. Training at the academy throws you into situations where you learn leadership. But the training also teaches you to be a good follower. It teaches you how followers want to be treated. It makes you a better leader.”

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Amy Schlaf RIVETER INTERVIEWED BY SAMANTHA CHANEY

my Schlaf, 95, remembers the pride with which she helped war efforts for three years during World War II. Initially, she joined the Green River Ordnance Plant in Lee

County, Ill., for the available wages. But as the war progressed, so too did the sense of freedom and purpose she found in her job.

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“I worked in an ordnance plant where we made 1,600-pound bombs and bazooka rockets, which were in the Army’s hands within 48 hours. … I was responsible for how we got the supplies to make the product, and that we got it out in so many days.”

“I felt that, when you see how these other countries were invaded and taken over — and we were No. 1, we took care of ourselves and took care of other countries — it made you feel really good. Here you were, just a little person, but you worked to make a whole thing.”

“We felt good because we were actually shipping stuff out to the soldiers, so they could use it. You felt that you were really doing a job for our country.”

“Because I worked for the country, and I feel today, because I did that, we as women are respected. And we could do anything. Before, men thought, ‘No. You’re a woman.’”

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Congratulations to our 2019 Collegiate Athletes AUSTIN BRINLING

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So you love July 4,

America and all things red, white and blue. But are you a Yankee Doodle Dandy when it comes to a patriotic quiz? Why not break out these questions and feed them to your guests along with those hot dogs and hamburgers? Have a slice of apple pie to present to the winner. Who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance? a. Francis Bellamy b. Walt Whitman c. Ezra Pound d. Wallace Stevens

Which of our founding fathers wrote that the bald eagle is “a bird of bad moral character” when it was being considered as a national symbol for the United States? a. John Adams b. Benjamin Harrison c. Benjamin Franklin d. Thomas Jefferson

At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, one of the famous sayings was, “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” This was said by: a. John Adams b. Benjamin Harrison c. Benjamin Franklin d. Thomas Jefferson

Who is the only U.S, president born on July 4? a. James Buchanan b. Grover Cleveland c. Calvin Coolidge d. Jimmy Carter

What country obtained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946? a. Guam b. The Philippines c. Northern Mariana Islands d. American Samoa

The signatures on the Declaration of Independence are arranged: a. Alphabetically by name b. Alphabetically by state c. Randomly d. By the states, northernmost to southernmost

Who was the King of England when the colonies declared their independence? a. George III b. James II c. William III d. George MXVI

The red, white and blue on the American flag signify: a. Purity, valor and vigilance b. Blood, innocence and beauty c. Independence, courage and unity d. Power, resolve and faith

“Yankee Doodle” was written to: a. Make fun of American soldiers b. Encourage patriotism among New Yorkers c. Push young men to enlist d. Become a pub drinking song

What country, other than the U.S., made the most American flags in 2018? a. Spain b. The Philippines c. China d. India

What was the first state admitted to the union? a. Delaware b. New Jersey c. Virginia d. Pennsylvania Who suggested the U.S. adopt “In God we trust” as its motto? a. John Quincy Adams b. Andrew Carnegie c. Henry Ford d. Francis Scott Key

no end to the emerging country’s strength. c. A sun originally was planned with stars circling it, and the sun eventually was removed from the design. d. The stars were added in a circle to show no colony was greater than another.

Where did the saying “Uncle Sam” come from? a. Thomas Jefferson always referred to his “Uncle Sam” whenever he talked about defending citizen rights. b. A meat packer, Sam Wilson, provided meat to the U.S. Army, and his bags were stamped “U.S.” Soldiers joked it meant Uncle Sam. c. Betsy Ross became the country’s “Aunt Betsy,” and “Uncle Sam” became her fictitious husband. d. President Theodore Roosevelt said his fellow soldiers all were tougher than his “Uncle Sam,” and it stuck to portray American grit.

The colors of the American flag are now red, white and blue. What were the colors of the first Betsy Ross flag? a. Red, white and black b. Red, white and blue c. Red, blue and black d. Red and blue

Jay Heater

The bald eagle — this one lives in Lakewood Ranch — is the national bird. But one of our founding fathers thought it was a bad choice. Do you know who?

Why were the stars in a circle on the first American Flag? a. Betsy Ross felt the pattern made the stripes stand out. b. The circle was meant to show there was no beginning and

BY JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

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