In a gesture of respect and gratitude, a local funeral home has embarked on an initiative to recognize and commemorate the selfless service of military veterans within their community. The program aptly named “Veteran of the Month,” was inaugurated to pay homage to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding the nation.
Wells Memorial and Event Center has taken a meaningful step towards acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of veterans. The “Veteran of the Month” program, which began in September, honors a different veteran each month, highlighting their military service and the impact they made in and out of uniform.
Lisa Nickel, Family Service Counselor at Wells Memorial and Event Center, said they’ve partnered with the American Legion, who submits the name of the recipient to the funeral home each month. The winner receives a free buffet for two to Fred’s.
Nickel said the chosen veterans will be featured prominently in the funeral home’s facilities, with a dedicated memorial display set on a table with their photo and certificate. Visitors to the funeral home are also encouraged to write a thank-you note to the veteran. Their photo is also put in the Plant City Observer.
“The veteran who was recognized in September was tickled to have his picture in the paper, he thought that was pretty cool,” said Nickel. “It’s very rewarding to me, these people fought for us and protected us, their families sacrificed, it’s humbling and a very big honor to be able to do this.”
Jerry Harold, Vice-Commander at the American Legion, said the board chooses the veteran based on their dedication to the community and their fellow veterans.
September’s honoree was Freddie Washington. October’s honoree was Wayne Smith. Washington and Smith are both Vietnam veterans.
November’s honoree is Edward Mingus.
“It’s been a positive experience, when I go to the American Legion everybody tells me how much they appreciate it and people who see our table in the funeral home also think it’s a good idea,” said Nickel.
If residents can’t make it to the funeral home to write a thank-you note, they can be mailed to Wells Memorial (in care of “Veteran of the Month”) at 1903 W. Reynolds St., Plant City FL 33563.
For more information about the “Veteran of the Month” program call 813-752-1111.