Story by STEVE TRAIMAN
(At press time the VSPC postponed the Salute event to later this year with as many original features as possible.)
The 10th annual Salute to the Military & First Responders will again by sponsored by The Veterans of South Pinellas County Inc. (VSPC, they invite the community to their major fundraising event on Saturday, April 18, from 10am to 4pm at Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive.
This event benefits veterans and first responders in need by providing interim wheelchair and mobility aids, small home repairs, emergency assistance, and Veterans Scholarship Assistance Grants. This pet and family-friendly event is free to all, with complimentary parking available in the nearby St. Pete Beach Recreation Center lot.
Event highlights include a Military Enlistment Ceremony for the joint induction of new recruits from all branches of service. The VSPC’s Harry Metz will preside, joined by the AVAST Color Guard and representatives of all local services recruiters. Tampa-based AVAST, with Commander Rudy Salas, is the premier unit in the State, and has provided this service for the VSPC the past five years, also appearing at home games for the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.
Vital information sources will include representatives from Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Benefits Office; Veterans Administration Transitions Office, DAV Mobile Service Office; Tampa/St. Pete Vet Center for Special Counseling; Bay Pines National Cemetery; and Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections with onsite voter registration information.
Entertainment features are topped by Angela’s Car Show, back this year with Competition classes open to all makes and all models, plus classes for Motorcycles. With stock, modified, customized, late models and antique vehicles features, this always proves to be a great addition to the program. She will have about 30 trophies and raffles for donated door prizes.
Also featured will be the OneBlood Bloodmobile; Military Vehicles from local Recruiting Stations; Kid’s Fishing Rodeo sponsored by Gulf to Bay Bait & Tackle Shop in SPB; and live music by Project Y and Raizin’ Jane, led by Robert Tuell.
Food & Drink vendors include St. Pete Beach Firefighters Union with hamburgers, hot dogs and coffee; Fresh Maid Ice Cream churned all day; and VSPC with domestic and craft beer, and wine. Other vendors include local SPB author Wayne MacDowell with his Not Just Another War Story and Not Just Another Love Story. In addition, there will be 50/50 raffles, prize raffles and silent auction items available throughout the day.
VSPC Mission & Success
The dedicated VSPC Event Committee includes Harry Metz, Brenda Reed, Brooks Cavender, Virginia McNivens, Wayne MacDowell, Jon Ochampaugh and Terrie Lowden.
Brooks Cavender told Paradise News, “For many years, VSPC has devoted its energy through donations of money and time to passionately advocate for our veterans who have given so much for our country, and for our first responders.
“Our main purpose is to conduct fundraising events for charitable and civic purposes, and to make distributions to other charitable 503(C)(3) organizations. Our staff is all volunteer-based and takes no salaries. We support our communities through patriotic civic activities that include donating POW/MIA flags to schools, Fire Stations and various civic institutions, and working with Florida Blood Services to help the needs of our local community. During 2019 we also added the ability to accept serviceable vehicle donations and we were able to gift two vehicles to local veterans in need of transportation.
“We show allegiance to our veterans who have served our nation and those who are on active and reserve service. Our mission is to serve those who have proudly served our country, and to promote civic and patriotic allegiance to the United States of America through charity and volunteerism.
“Anyone wishing to donate a serviceable vehicle with only minor repairs needed, with title to be transferred to a needy veteran, can contact Brooks Cavender. Call at 727-244-1117 or email to BrooksC@brookslnk.com
For more information about VSPC and/or to volunteer or donate, call 727-322-5217, email to vetsofsopinellas@brookslink.com or visit us on Facebook at Veterans-of-South-Pinellas-County-Inc.
[Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Brooks Cavender at VSPC for his excellent update.]
[Steve Traiman is President of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman, St. Pete Beach, providing business writing services at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com or by phone to 727-363-7531.]