Tag: Honoring our Veterans

WARRIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT

Warrior Golf Academy (WGA) is excited to announce our upcoming “Friday the 13th” 2 man challenge at our Downtown Fort Lauderdale “F.O.B.,” and we are looking for Veterans to play!

This isn’t just a golf tournament; it’s a high-energy media production. We are filming the entire event to be featured in a dedicated YouTube episode and across social media, offering unique visibility for brands that support our Veteran community.

The Event Details

  • When: Friday, March 13, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
  • Where: Strokes ‘N’ Drivers, 115 NW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale.
  • The Competition: 8 teams battling it out for a premier foursome at Trump International Palm Beach ($3,000 Value)
  • The Challenge: A high-stakes “Closest to the Pin” contest with a Stitch Golf Bag prize.

$40 Donation per person to enter, Hurry!

City of Doral Military Advisory Committee Meeting

Please join us at City Hall for the upcoming Military Advisory Committee Meeting. We look forward to welcoming you and encouraging your participation in this important conversation supporting our military community.

The meeting is typically held in one of the All-Purpose Rooms. Upon arrival, simply check in with the City Hall staff or attending personnel, and they will gladly direct you to the correct room.

We hope to see you there and appreciate your continued engagement and support.  Meetings may be changed or canceled due to Holidays or Quorum requirements.

Friday the 13th Fundraiser: Warrior Golf Academy

Join Warrior Golf Academy for an exciting evening of golf and community at our Fort Lauderdale “F.O.B.”. This event is a fundraiser dedicated to our mission of providing golf instruction and career development for Veterans and First Responders.

Highlights include:

  • Golf Challenges: Closest to the pin and putting contests.

  • Prizes: Exclusive giveaways, including a chance to win an SL2 Air Walker Golf Bag.

  • Social: Enjoy food and a full cash bar while connecting with fellow supporters.

Your $20 donation directly supports our local Veteran programming. Inquire now to secure your spot!

Miami VA Town Hall Meeting

Learn About Programs, Benefits and Resources available to You.

Miami VA Leadership will be on hand to answer questions.

See Flyer for more information.

Miami-Dade Country Fest 2026

Event Details

Join us at Tropical Park on April 25 – 26, 2026 at our Miami-Dade CountryFest, home of the International Livestock Show and Rodeo!

The Miami-Dade CountryFest, formerly known as the Miami Agriculture, Horse and Cattle Show, has been a staple event since 2008. This annual festival offers a weekend of entertainment for all ages and attracts cattle enthusiasts from around the globe.

Experience two days of non-stop fun with rides, live music, food trucks, and other enjoyable activities for adults and children alike. This year’s event will feature a thrilling professional rodeo show, adding to the excitement.

All guests MUST present proof of RSVP to gain FREE entry into the festival grounds. Free Entry does not include Seats into the Rodeo – Rodeo Seats to be sold soon!

We look forward to seeing y’all there!

 

Hours

  • Event Hours: 9AM – 7PM
  • Programming to begin at 10AM

10th Annual Mt. Vernon to Marietta, 160-Mile Veterans and First Responders Paddle

The 10th Annual Paddle for Heroes, Mt. Vernon, Ohio to Marietta, Ohio 160-Mile – 2026 Memorial Paddle, will be dedicated in honor of:

1st Lieutenant Charles L. Wilkins & PFC Ryan A. Martin.

—Both killed in action on August 20, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On August 20th, 2004, with temperatures rising above 95 degrees, soldiers of A Company, 216th Engineer Battalion, from Chillicothe, Ohio, were concluding a long day of route-clearance operations. Operating in the notoriously dangerous region of Samarra—often referred to as “the hot entry point to Fallujah”—their mission was abruptly cut short. A sudden blast struck the convoy’s lead Humvee, claiming the lives of two dedicated soldiers: 1LT Charles Wilkins and PFC Ryan Martin.

A 1984 graduate of Bishop Hartley High School (Columbus, Ohio), Charles Wilkins first served in the U.S. Air Force. Seeking to become an officer, he later joined the Ohio Army National Guard, which allowed him to pursue law school at Capital University while also working as a transportation planner for the Federal Highway Administration.

Despite his busy schedule, LT Wilkins was known for always making time for family—doing so joyfully and with a smile. Friends and loved ones described him as witty, dedicated, and selfless. His commitment to helping others led him to volunteer from a sister company to deploy with A Co. 216th Engineer Battalion to Iraq. He put law school on hold because he felt called to help rebuild the country and support his fellow soldiers.

PFC Ryan A. Martin

Ryan Martin graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 2000. Following the attacks of September 11th, he felt compelled to serve and joined the Ohio Army National Guard. Known as a go-getter, PFC Martin enthusiastically volunteered for deployment with A Co. 216th Engineer Battalion.

Nicknamed “Big Bear,” Martin brought humor and positivity to his unit. He loved telling stories—such as the time he bought a semi-truck at age 16, only to have his parents make him return it. He was thrilled to operate heavy equipment in Iraq and looked forward to becoming a heavy-equipment operator or working alongside his father on the family farm.

 

Event Details:

The Paddle for Heroes memorial paddle is a challenging and reflective 160-mile journey.

  •  Participants will paddle approximately 30 miles per day, up to 12 hours daily.
  • A meaningful event focused on remembrance, resilience, and outreach.

Registration & Participation:

  •  Only 30 paddle spots are available.
  •  Priority is given to veterans, first responders, and their adult partners.

* The first 10 veterans or first responders who commit will have their room covered at the Lafayette Hotel in Marietta on Friday, June 12th, 2026.

*Non-veterans and non-first responders interested in attending should contact:

Joey Butts, Vice President, Paddle for Heroes

Text: 740-258-2127

Email: paddleforheroesusa@gmail.com

There are additional ways to support this event, other than paddling. Please contact Joey for more information.

VFW Post 8195 Guest Speaker William “Bill” Watts

Join us to learn more about VFW Post 8195 in Hollywood Florida.   Meeting starts at 7:00 pm sharp with Bill expected to speak sometimes around 7:30pm

Join us for a powerful and meaningful evening with special guest speaker William “Bill” Watts of Vet Info.

Bill will address the critical topics of suicide prevention and intervention, while sharing his mission of bringing Veterans together through connection, understanding, and support. Having spoken across the country as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs Gulf War Illness Research Advisory Committee, Bill brings national insight and personal experience to this urgent conversation.

He speaks with honesty about the struggles many carry in silence — shedding light on the dark truths too often left unspoken — and offers hope, awareness, and pathways to support.

📍 VFW Post 8195
Hollywood, Florida

This is more than a talk — it’s a chance to stand together, support one another, and strengthen our Veteran community.

Free Sunshields Sponsors Vet Info. Protecting those who protects our nation.

Protective sunwear.

Vet Info is proud to be sponsored by Free Sunshields — a small, family-owned business based in historic St. Augustine, Florida, delivering serious protection with a personal touch.

Built on the spirit of resilience and strength, Free Sunshields creates “Fortified Performance Gear” designed for those who work hard and play hard outdoors. From custom UPF sun shirts to neck gaiters and headwear, their high-quality gear keeps you protected, comfortable, and mission ready.

But what truly stands out? Their heart for our military community. ❤️

Free Sunshields is committed to honoring the men and women who have served — and continue to serve — by supporting active lifestyles and giving back to Veterans.

🎖 10% Military Discount


As a thank-you for your service, use code MILITARY at checkout at 👉 www.FreeSunshields.com

When you support businesses that support Veterans, everybody wins.