Citizenship Day

Citizenship Day has special meaning for Legacy of Valor hero by Ryan Simonson There are many ways a person can gain citizenship in the United States -- the one I want to tell you about today is earned through military service. Our Legacy of Valor campaignhonors all veterans -- including those who earn citizenship in conjunction with military service There are two paths to earning citizenship in this way. The first path is through serving in the military during peacetime. This service grants exemptions to certain requirements of the process to include residency and physical presence in the United States. The second path is through military service during periods of hostilities. This path was created by executive order in 2002 and allows servicemen and women to immediately file for citizenship during or after they have honorably served in the military and deployed into designated hostile conflicts. One of our Legacy of Valor heroes, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Edward Valdez, originally from the Dominican Republic, gained his U.S. citizenship six years into his 20 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. He studied for the citizenship and naturalization exam extensively but does credit his Marine Corps Sergeant's uniform for assisting during the testing process. He celebrated his citizenship by serving another 14 years in the Marine Corps and has now dedicated himself to assisting veterans as they realize higher education goals through his work at the University of South Florida. I had the opportunity to ask him what advice he would give to young servicemen considering attaining citizenship and this was his response: "The best advice I can give anyone thinking about becoming a citizen is that, when you become a citizen of any nation, you must remember to obey the rules and regulations of that nation, the nation should not have to change to please your desires." His wise words reflect a lifetime of selfless service to our country and are a great credit onto himself as well as inspirational to me. The Legacy of Valor campaign is always interested in inspirational stories such as that of Edward Valdez. If you have a citizenship story please share it in the comments below! Ryan Simonson | September 17, 2013 at 8:49 am | URL:http://wp.me/p28bFy-1ap

What happens when veterans transition home

What happens when veterans transition home by Linda Gould You hear a lot in the media about veterans who are "transitioning" and the challenges they face. But what does that mean? It means, for example, that a young soldier enlisted into military service, learned skills that would allow him or her to survive in harsh environments. It means that soldiers acquired the ability to use weapons to shoot and kill the enemy ensuring our freedom each and every day. It means they saw their comrades to the right and left get injured or killed, with many suffering physical, mental and emotional wounds that sometimes are invisible to you and me. And now they are coming home….. They may have come home 30 years ago or are just now moving to our community --- either way, they need our help. Veterans need services and they need jobs. Jobs allow someone to be self-sustaining, but there are obstacles to finding and keeping employment: healthcare (to include mental healthcare) education, transportation, childcare, and housing -- just to name a few. Seven months ago, Goodwill Manasota had an idea: why not have a Jobs and Services Fair for Veterans and Their Families? They asked Suncoast Workforceand the Baltimore Orioles to partner with them in The Patterson Foundation’sLegacy of Valor campaign. On Sept. 7, it all came together! As veterans arrived, the excitement was palpable both inside and out as the gates opened. More than 175 veterans and their families attended the jobs and services fair at Ed Smith Stadium this past Saturday. More than 42 employers were on hand with job openings and were interested in hiring veterans, along with more than 40 service providers. One female veteran stood looking around and said in a quiet voice that she had no idea that so many people actually cared about veterans and that seeing them all in one place offering assistance was incredible. I spoke to an Active Duty Navy Chief Warrant Officer who is retiring out of MacDill AFB in Tampa in November. He drove down to attend since he is moving to Sarasota to be near his father. The businesses that participated already have applicants sending resumes and scheduling interviews. Veterans were able to get assistance with their VA Benefits, along with other information to help enhance their quality of life. On February 7, 2014, there will be another Veterans Jobs and Services Fair in the Legacy of Valor Campaign, this time led by partner Suncoast Workforce, in collaboration with Goodwill Manasota and the Baltimore Orioles! Get Involved. Visit FreedomPassItOn.org! Linda Gould | September 10, 2013 at 2:01 pm | URL: http://wp.me/p28bFy-19Q

MOAA Remembers 9/11

moaa.org

Remember 911

New post on The Patterson Foundation Blog Network

A community gathers to remember 9/11 by Erika Nies This week our community, along with the nation, took time to recognize and honor those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe at home and abroad -- from our nation's veterans to those first responders who risk their lives every day in our community. These events help remind us to never forget the brave men and women and their families who sacrifice so much. The week of 9/11 Remembrance Events began with the Sun Coast FOOLS (Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society) annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb held at Plymouth Harbor on Saturday. The stair climb consisted of mostly local firefighters, but a few traveled from as far away as South Carolina to participate. Majority of the firefighters wore their complete firefighting gear, including air packs, which weigh in excess of 60 pounds, as they climbed the stairs in remembrance of the heroic climb 343 fallen firefighters made up the World Trade Center towers the morning of September 11. The stair climbers aspired to three symbolic goals: 78 floors  --which is where the South tower was struck 110 floors -- which is how tall the World Trade Center was 343 floors -- which is how many firefighters died that day Most participants reached 110 floors with a handful reaching all 343. Members of the public, as well as participants spouses and children, were able to climb and test there stamina alongside the Firefighters. This was an opportunity for the general public to get a glimpse into the life of a firefighter – to fully appreciate the daily demands of their job. Prior to the start of the stair climb, the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard led a procession complete with a Retired FDNY Lieutenant on the bagpipes. Garrett Lindgren, a retired member of Rescue 4/FDNY who responded to the attacks that day, spoke of the tragedies and reflected on the memory of his firehouse crew who all perished that day. Lindgren reminded those participating in the stair climb of the symbolism of the stair climb for their fallen brothers and sisters. Lindgren’s words were concluded with a moment of silence and a symbolic “Last Alarm” bell ring. Proceeds raised benefit the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund and the Sun Coast FOOLS – both of which support firefighters and their families. This morning, Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota County Fire Department and Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office joined together to hold a memorial ceremony outside the Police Department headquarters. The ceremony began with opening remarks from Deputy Chief Stephen Moyer reflecting on the tragic events 12 years ago but also how it impacts us today. In demonstration of the unity among first responders, Honor Guard members from all three first responder departments blended together as one during the flag & floral presentation honoring those fallen. Speaking guests included Sarasota County Fire Department Chief Mike Tobias, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Colonel Steve Burns, and several Sarasota government officials. Musical tributes featured two of Sarasota Military Academystudents. Gracie Cespedes, also a Legacy of Valor hero, performed the “Star Spangled Banner” on the violin and Houston Scott performed “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes. Attendees were asked to leave in silence and pause at 9:37AMin remembrance of when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, and at 10:03AM when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Erika Nies | September 11, 2013 at 3:45 pm | URL:http://wp.me/p28bFy-1aa

Survey - Please Respond

As an active member of our MOAA, Sarasota Chapter (MOAS), you hopefully noted my mention in our last Breeze newsletter of our efforts, with the help of the Sarasota Community Foundation, "to more effectively plan, organize, market, fund, recruit and, otherwise, accomplish our MOAS mission goals and objectives, as a volunteer, non-profit, charitable enterprise."  I also asked you therein to "tell us what you think" and "say what's on your mind!" Now's your chance to do just that!! We hope you will!!

We on the MOAS Board are grateful for your membership, and we know that your ideas and input can be of great value to our planning.

So, we are looking for your thoughts today and ask that you take a few minutes to answer a brief survey about your MOAS experiences?  Just click on the link below to provide your input.

surveymonkey.com/s/D983QHG

Once your survey responses are received, your name, if you choose to provide it, will be entered in a drawing to win one of 3 free lunches at an upcoming MOAS Monthly Luncheon meeting.

The survey will close on 27 September 2013. Please feel free to contact myself or any other MOAS Board member should you have any questions.

Thank you for your support of this effort and for taking the time to share with us.

With Respect,
George P. Tracy
MOAS, 1st VP & Director
gtracy@1963.usna.com

Legacy of Valor Campaign

New post on The Patterson Foundation Blog Network

Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Farmers Market and others join Legacy of Valor campaign by The Patterson Foundation Legacy of Valor, the campaign honoring  veterans and their families in Southwest Florida, is excited to announce its newest partners, including Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Farmers Market, Visible Men Academy, Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee, New Balance Sarasota and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which has added an additional event. Each of these community partners honors veterans, inspires patriotism and embraces freedom in ways that touch different segments of our four-county region. Florida Studio Theatre |Speak! Of Service, Of Country, Of Freedom | October-December 2013Series of spoken word workshops and presentations developed by middle school children in collaboration with older adults, Booker Middle School and Senior Friendship Centers. Sarasota Farmers Market | Veterans Appreciation Day |October 2013 and April 2014 In collaboration with multiple vendors and community partners Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee | Commemorating the Legacy of Valor of the African American Veteran | February 15, 2014 During Black History Month, a special event honoring the service and sacrifice of African American veterans in the military. In collaboration with multiple community partners. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Four Score and Seven Years Ago |February 2014 Four Score and Seven Years Ago, a production presented in collaboration with Van Wezel Foundation, School District of Sarasota, School District of Manatee, and home school contacts in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Visible Men Academy | February 2014 An all-boys charter school in Manatee County will do a series of educational programs related to veterans and Black History Month. Focus will include Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen and local veterans. In collaboration with Family Heritage House Museum. New Balance Sarasota | Patriot Walk | Spring 2014 A patriotic and interactive walk through Sarasota National Cemetery in collaboration with multiple community partners. To learn more and to get involved, visit FreedomPassItOn.org The Patterson Foundation | September 6, 2013 at 8:35 am | URL: http://wp.me/p28bFy-17O

Legacy of Valor

Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Farmers Market and others join Legacy of Valor campaign by The Patterson Foundation Legacy of Valor, the campaign honoring  veterans and their families in Southwest Florida, is excited to announce its newest partners, including Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Farmers Market, Visible Men Academy, Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee, New Balance Sarasota and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which has added an additional event. Each of these community partners honors veterans, inspires patriotism and embraces freedom in ways that touch different segments of our four-county region. Florida Studio Theatre |Speak! Of Service, Of Country, Of Freedom | October-December 2013 Series of spoken word workshops and presentations developed by middle school children in collaboration with older adults, Booker Middle School and Senior Friendship Centers. Sarasota Farmers Market | Veterans Appreciation Day |October 2013 and April 2014 In collaboration with multiple vendors and community partners Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee | Commemorating the Legacy of Valor of the African American Veteran | February 15, 2014 During Black History Month, a special event honoring the service and sacrifice of African American veterans in the military. In collaboration with multiple community partners. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Four Score and Seven Years Ago |February 2014 Four Score and Seven Years Ago, a production presented in collaboration with Van Wezel Foundation, School District of Sarasota, School District of Manatee, and home school contacts in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Visible Men Academy | February 2014 An all-boys charter school in Manatee County will do a series of educational programs related to veterans and Black History Month. Focus will include Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen and local veterans. In collaboration with Family Heritage House Museum. New Balance Sarasota | Patriot Walk | Spring 2014 A patriotic and interactive walk through Sarasota National Cemetery in collaboration with multiple community partners. To learn more and to get involved, visit FreedomPassItOn.org The Patterson Foundation | September 6, 2013 at 8:35 am | URL:http://wp.me/p28bFy-17O