Veterans Pay Tribute to Departed Comrades
By Frank Kepley, CAPT USN (Ret.), News Military Correspondent
The Military Veterans Organization of Sun City Center sponsored a Memorial Day Tribute to deceased veterans on Monday Morning at 10 a.m. at the Kings Point Veterans Theater. The ceremony opened with a Grand Marshal Procession, led by the 2019 Grand Marshal, Sgt. James Glass, a Korean War veteran. The Cadence was played by drummer Danny Chavez from the Praise Band, United Methodist Church.
The Opening Ceremony and Posting of Colors was directed by Benny Blackshire USA (Ret), President of MOAA SCC Chapter and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.
LTC Blackshire welcomed and introduced the Honored Guests and CAPT Harry Benter gave the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lt. Col. Gordon Bassett, USAF (Ret). The National Anthem was then led by James Feist, USAF (Vet).
The Honored Speaker, Colonel DJ Reyes, USA (Ret), was introduced by Maj. Jim Haney, USMC (Ret). COL. Reyes retired from the Army with over 33 years’ service. He earned his Bachelors, Masters, and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Notre Dame, the US Naval War College, and Temple University School of Law.
As a community Advocate for Veterans issues at the local, state and national levels, DJ recently served as a DoD contractor in assisting Gulf Coast region veterans, Guard and Reserve with meaningful employment and useful Career Counseling. DJ continues his community service role as the Senior Military Advisor/Mentor to the 13th Judicial Circuit’s Veterans Treatment Court (VTC).
A tribute to the Grand Marshal was then given by Maj. Jim Haney, which was followed by a musical interlude and salute to the Armed Forces by the Trinity Baptist Church directed by Rev. James Feist.
A Roll Call of departed comrades accompanied by the Living Flag Tribute was given by Mrs. Rosemary Clifton, USN (Vet); Rev. Lt Col Sam Rorer, USAF (Ret); Mrs. Beverly Gaussiran USA (Vet); and Rev. LTC Julian Graham ISA (Ret).
Taps was then played by Rev. Feist and the Rendering Bell Honors carried out by CDR Ed Socha, USN (Ret), Pearl Harbor Survivor assisted by LTC Paul Wheat, USA (Ret). Amazing Grace was then played by the Bagpiper, Mr. Jason Marchand and the Colors were retired. A placing of the wreath, donated by the Sun City Center Funeral Home, was then placed by members of the Boy Scout Troop 661.

The November 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!
In this issue… Tell us if you plan to light up your home for the holidays… Then, discover your need for speed with the Veterans Racing League, celebrate 55 years of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” with the SCC Emergency Squad, see what’s blooming...

Candidate for Board Withdraws
Candidate for Board WithdrawsBREAKING NEWS FROM THE SCC COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Mike Burnham has withdrawn his name from the candidates running for the Board of Directors. Since the remaining three candidates — Eric Porr, Ron Matelski, and Bob Sullivan — are...

Kings Point Food Truck Rally
Kings Point Food Truck Rally Monday, November 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. Music by Sunset Social Club. Come enjoy Monsta Lobsta, Surly Mermaid, Whichpress, and Chief’s Chill Out Ice Cream! Food trucks under Portico Entertainment in the Veterans Theater....

Veterans – Live Your Racing Dreams
Veterans – Live Your Racing DreamsBy Kai Rambow Have you ever wanted to race a motorized vehicle around a race track? If you’re a veteran, then here’s a chance to make your racing dreams come true. A Veteran’s Racing League is being put together. ...

Lethal Luau Murder Mystery a Great Success
On Saturday, October 12, The GFWC Sun City Center Woman’s Club held a fundraiser in conjunction with The Pelican Players. The “Lethal Luau” was an afternoon of mystery and fun where the audience were detectives solving the murder. Many participants were...
The July NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!
In this issue… SCC honors its veterans, especially those comrades we lost in the past year. We get to know Bob’s Vets, meet the Pickleball players who did SCC proud in international competition, and hang out with puffins in Newfoundland. Find...
Back 2 School Supply Drive
Back 2 School Supply Drive The Boys and Girls Club needs your help! Supplies Needed Black pens, blue pens, red pens, blunt-tip scissors, bottled glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, disinfectant wipes, dry erase markers, erasers, hand sanitizer,...
Crossing Guards Needed for Upcoming School Year
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is in need of additional Crossing Guards for the upcoming 2019-20 school year. FROM THE HCSO “The Crossing Guard Program is seeking energetic and reliable candidates for a rewarding opportunity to serve the children...
Social Security Phone Scams Increase
HCSO Community Resource Deputy Jeff Merry says residents need to watch out for new telephone scams: “Please be cautious when providing personal information over the telephone. There has been an increase in social security fraud telephone scams targeting...
South Bay Hospital Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day
Dozens of staff children attended National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day at South Bay Hospital recently. This annual event is an educational program in the United States and Canada where parents take their children to work with them for one day....
The June 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!
In this issue… The new South Hillsborough Veterans Clinic welcomes patients, the 75th Anniversary of D-Day is commemorated in a very special way, and employees at South Bay Hospital bring their children to work for the day. Save the date for...
0 Comments