Shining Light on Veterans at Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Event

VALRICO — Bloomingdale area residents got an early start on showing their appreciation to veterans by attending Winthrop/Bloomingdale Veteran’s Fest at the Campo Family YMCA on Thursday evening.

The free event, in its second year, was organized The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce to recognize and honor veterans.

Veterans Day, also referred to as Armistice Dayor Remembrance Day, was once connected to World War II. The holiday was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on 1919 on the anniversary of the World War I armistice.

The holiday recognizes the end of the Great War on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. It is observed around the world, but the special day in America is connected with all United States military conflicts.

A variety of 40 food vendors, local businesses, non-profit and veteran community organizations were on hand Thursday to provide samples, as well as showcase their areas of expertise. Some of the vendors decorated their booths in patriotic colors and decorations to show their support of the military. Attendees visited booth after booth learning more about what businesses and organizations are available in the community.

One organization in attendance was the Macdill Airman & Family Readiness Center, located on Oakfield Drive in Brandon. It provides workshops and classes designed to prepare military personnel to the civilian workforce. It also assists military members and their families through the phases of deployment.

Gayle Cook, manager of the Brandon location, said she was pleased to be able to spread the word about the services the organization has to offer, such as the upcoming free, early Thanksgiving dinner from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Brandon Elks Lodge.

Retired United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Earl Haugabook was also spreading the word about military service, specifically Operation Dove.

Operation Dove is an initiative of the Military Affairs Council of the chamber to increase the support of the local military community. It seeks to give the Brandon business community an opportunity to continue, increase or begin their involvement in improving the lives of local military personnel.

“We would like to invite people to attend our meetings, so they can see everything we do to show appreciation for the military,” said Haugabook, who served 21 years in the Air Force. “We do so much for the military families to thank them for the services they provide.”

LindaRay Cameron was also on hand to be of service to active and retired military families, as well as civilians. She was promoting her business, SendOutCards.

The online business allows people to select, personalize and mail greeting cards from the comfort of their homes. Cameron said online greeting cards are a nice way to military families to reconnect with family and friends who may live far away. She said it’s also a nice way to family and friends to show their appreciation to military families.

“Veterans and military personnel need to know we care,” Cameron said. “It’s nice to be able to send a card to let them know we’re thinking of them and that we’re all in this together.”

Patti Conover was in the Navy for four years. She is now the coordinator of the Hillsborough County Anti Litter Program.

Conover was operating one of the more popular booths that allowed people to spin a red, white and blue wheel to receive eco-friendly prizes such Frisbees made from recycled water bottles.

“I wanted to come tonight to honor the military veterans,” Conover said. “I want to do everything I can to show my appreciation.”

Military appreciation also prompted Mary Kathryn Lopez and her family to attend the event. The Valrico resident said her husband was passing by the facility as the event was being assembled. After learning of its celebration, Lopez said the family made plans to attend.

“I think this is fantastic,” Lopez said. “It’s always important to remember the people who have served so we can enjoy our freedom.”

Tony Del Castillo, co-chair of the event, said honoring veterans and providing family entertainment helped to make the event a success. He anticipates it will grow each year.

“We wanted to remember and honor our veterans while also showcasing local businesses,” Del Castillo said. “It has been a great response tonight.”

Robert W. Bivens also co-chaired the event. He enjoyed being able to see such a variety of businesses that cater to military personnel.

“One of my favorite memories of (Thursday) is watching and listening to a little boy explain to little brother the story behind the Iwo Jima photograph as they looked at it together,” Bivens said. “It was really amazing. It’s all about honoring our veterans.”

To make a reservation to attend the free early Thanksgiving dinner call 813-655-9281.

To learn more about Operation Dove call 813-689-1221.

For more information about the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce visit BrandonChamber.com.