“About 10 years ago, I was asked to be the Veterans Chairman for the Elks Lodge,” Judy Wise tells the story of the how the Veterans Luncheon came to be. “When I became the District Veterans Chairman. I wanted to do something for our Elks Veterans, and so I had a steak dinner for each one and their wives. The next year, I applied for a small grant from the Elks with the idea of inviting Plant City veterans, not just Elks. We had about 250, including some hospitalized veterans from James A. Haley Hospital. The mayor at the time, Rick Lott, spoke at the event and said we need to make this an annual event. From that start I have applied for a grant from the Elks every year. My plan was to not have the veterans pay for anything. It got so big I moved it to the TECO Building and went to Plant City families and businesses to get donations. I could not do this without my husband, and my friend Sherry, and all the wonderful volunteers. They come from The Elks, Lakeland Outpatient VA Hospital, the Republican Women’s Club, and other organizations. So many have helped me and backed me. I am forever grateful.”
On Sunday, the sixth annual Plant City Veteran’s Luncheon took place at the Trinkle Center on Hillsborough Community College’s campus. The number of attendees has swelled to 500. At noon, veterans could come in and have pictures taken at a photo booth. The ceremony began at 1:00 p.m. when the Plant City High School Junior ROTC presented the colors. Next, Master of Ceremonies, Chaplain Daniel Middlebrooks (retired major) led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Bruno Kazaynas singing the National Anthem. Robert Olszewski, Senior Pastor at GracePoint Church (retired captain) gave an invocation. Wise then welcomed attendees. Next Boy Scout Troop 744 presented the military flags. Plant City Mayor, Nate Kilton, welcomed the veterans to the event. Then came a lunch of pulled pork, chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese, and coleslaw provided by the Wooden Spoon Diner.
“I love it. I come here every year,” said William Graham, who served in the Air Force for 21 years in supply, and retired as a Master Sergeant.
After the meal, Florida State Senator Danny Burgess, captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, and former Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, addressed the crowd.
He referred to the highly contentious November election; “Everybody around the world would give anything to be here, to have what we have,” he said. “There is far more that unites us than divides us. And one of the greatest uniting forces in this country is our veterans—those who put on the uniform, those who serve, those who were there for us, and those who continue to serve our country long after they put the uniform down. Because if there is anything we have learned about our veterans, it is that just because they are out of the military, doesn’t mean they are done giving back….One thing I want to highlight is the city of Plant City—this community. It is an honor to represent you. This is the single largest Veterans Day event I have seen when traveling the entire state….This is profound, and it speaks to the Plant City people. Thank you so much for your heart, and for your commitment to be there to serve those who served us.”
Burgess introduced the keynote speaker, Dennis O. Baker (retired commander). Among other things, Baker is former chair of the Florida Veteran’s Foundation, President of the National Aviation Academy, Florida Coordinator of Sunshine Kids Cancer Kid Foundation, and author of “Restless Hearts: What if Fallen Heroes Could Go Home?” In his message, “A Veteran’s Veteran,” Baker pointed out that those who have served in the military have, “A bond with folks who are all about our service—first responders, the work that they do — the connection we have is automatic. It is important that we keep our bonds, and we keep folks together. There are a lot of veterans’ service organizations who have memberships, and their memberships are declining. You can always be a member and keep it going, and you can do stuff from afar. You don’t have to go to all the meetings. But you can be a part of their effort and what they are trying to do for the rest of us.”
Chad Landry, Founder of Chad’s Promise, told about his charity in Plant City that boards veterans’ dogs so they can go into hospitals for mental and physical health care.
“It’s a great event,” said Michael Sanderson, U.S. Army Combat Engineer from 1973 to 1979.
In a stirring ceremony, Richard Glorioso (retired colonel), spoke when presenting a POW/MIA table. “The table is set for one, standing for one prisoner alone against his oppressors….the table is round, showing our everlasting concern we have for POWs and MIAs; the cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions when they answered the country’s call; the single rose signifies the blood they have shed for our country…”
Near the end, Tangled Threads gave four Quilts of Valor to veterans in the audience, “A quilt of valor is a quality, hand-made quilt. It is awarded to a service member or veteran and says unequivocally, ‘Thank you for your service and sacrifice, serving our nation.’” Tangled Threads has awarded 650 quilts to local veterans to give them comfort and healing.
Coast Guard veteran Blair Markham traveled from Puerto Rico both to vote, and for the Veteran’s Luncheon. “This is the second time I have come to this Veteran’s Day recognition,” he said. “It’s amazing—I enjoyed myself. Thanks to Plant City.”
Wise then gave comments, Chaplain Middlebrooks spoke a benediction, and Richard Greco played taps to close the event.
“I will not let this die as long as I am able,” Wise commented. “I love our veterans and I do not think they get the credit for the sacrifices they made.”