Support our Troops!

Contact Bob Here.  Click >>> In Gratitude  Click: Mail Call

Treats for Troops BBQ Fundraising At Bob Williams's Support the Troops Treats For Troops/Operation Pocket Change had a fundraising barbecue and warehouse tour from 12-4 p.m. on June 12 at 29807 SR 54 in Wesley Chapel. Barbecue items, soda, water, popcorn and Italian ice were enjoyed. Learn about the entire operation of shipping care packages to war areas. For information, call Karin or Jim King at (813) 746-1517. June 12, 2011

May 2011

Pasco County VFW Post 7987 in Trinity

Welcomes Home Real American Hero

Cpt Justin Gaertner

On Saturday, May 14, the VFW Post 7987 and other patriotic supporters lined the streets of Trinity Blvd. in Pasco County, to greet a man that they believe deserves all the accolades they can bestow. An inspiring story about courage and the strength of the human spirit comes from a young man of 22 years who believes that the sacrifice of losing his legs and coming close to losing his life altogether comes with the territory when a man or woman signs up to protect the country that he chose to defend. Cpl. Justin Gaertner, was on patrol on Thanksgiving day, but his “work” was interrupted by an IED explosion that left him fighting for his life on the battlefield realizing that both of his legs were gone. His one thought was not to worry his mother when he called his family to tell them what had happened.     Now six months later he is welcomed by his family, his fellow soldiers and strangers who look and are awed by this one person’s heroic story. He will spend  a couple of weeks home in Trinity before he returns to Walter Reed for more rehab, but for now he is amazed by the homecoming he s receiving , but he shouldn’t be , he deserves all of it, and more. His best friend, Cpl. Gabe Martinez also lost his limbs in the same confrontation, and one wish of Justin’s is to go to Arlington Cemetery to visit two other fallen soldier’s graves.      The VFW offered a lifetime membership to the young man and checks were given from various fundraisers to help in honoring his brave effort and to help in his recovery.

View the work of Photo-Journalist Kathleen Flynn of the St. Pete Times:

20110514-02

April 2011

Holy Trinity Luthern Church Donates Postage money to Support the Troops

Bob Williams of Support the Troops accepts a check for $1,200.00 from Harvey Rhinehart and Pastor Gil Kuehn of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lutz. The money was donated through door offerings after their church services and from proceeds from the recent Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce Center Luncheon where volunteers cooked and served the group at the Church Activity Center. The money is used by Support the Troops for postage to send packages to our troops overseas. If you would like to get involved  with Support the Troops, give them a call at  (800) 367-3591.

20110420-01

Ukulele Brand’s Restaurant donates $300 to Treats for Troops / Support Our Troops

Denise and Bryant Brand, owners of Ukulele Brand’s Restaurant and Bar located at 4805 Land O’Lakes Blvd., , held an event to support our troops in conjunction with Karin and Jim King, founders of Treats for Troops.  Ukulele Brand’s raised $300 for the group that will be used for postage to send special items to our troops overseas. The band Arlington Road rocked the crowd at Uke’s on a beautiful Sunday afternoon on Lake Marjorie in Land O’Lakes If you have any questions about the organization, call (813) 995-0608 or visit www.treatsfortroops.info. Photos and story of this event by Anthony V. Masella Jr.

Photos by Anthony Masella Jr. CLICK:

Ukulele Brand’s Restaurant, Treats for Troops, Support Our Troops

Letters from our Soldiers

via Treats for Troops

www.TreatsForTroops.Info

Treats for Troops is a local non profit charity that sends much needed supplies to our troops in remote fighting areas. Karin King and her husband started Treats for Troops when Karin decided to begin baking cookies for our troops. She quickly received thank yous for the home baked goods as well as requests for much needed supplies. They currently send hundreds of boxes of basic items to our brave men and women in some of the most isolated areas in the regions we are currently deployed in. Karin still bakes up her homemade cookies however and during the holidays recruits local community members to help bake and sends a massive amount to those who wont be home for the holidays. To find out ALL about how you can support Karin and her efforts, visit her website at www.treatsfortroops.info Below are some of the letters she has received!

WOW!!! Thx so much. Big smiles all around!! We received the packages today and man, we had a GREAT time divvying up all the cookies and goodies. The posters were a huge hit too. They now adorn our MWR room and various living spaces. Thx so much. You obviously "know" us and our situation over here away from "the world" and all that we love and enjoy. The cookies were all fantastic! The home made ones were great and several of the guys far more enjoyed the home made over the others. Again, WOW! Thx very, very much for the goodies. We instantly called for a movie night with all our treats!! Needless to say, our movie night was like none other in such a very long time. Very awesome, very good, very kind. Please thank all who were involved and who pitched in for our care package! I feel as though I just didn't say enough!!! I forgot to thank you for the essential items and the mardi gras beads were a neat, yet hilarioius addition to our decorations. Oh, THANKS very much for the awesome coffee!!! And the very nice letters and notes from families and young ones like Morgan from Tampa who prays for us with his parents (and his dog!! lol). Natalie wrote us a nice note on an amazingly beautiful card, and a heartfelt thanks to all the other folks who wrote us nice words of encouragement and thoughtfulness. How wonderful, truly great it is to receive greetings and well wishes from you, Jim and our fellow countrymen. The little ones bring tears to our eyes as each of us think of our own children we leave home while we fight world evil. Thanks so very much to the McGay family, Hisey Family, Marilyn, Jasmine, Linda Wallace, Jamie and Gayle from Tampa. Their prayers, appreciation for our service and well wishes bring smiles to our hearts and have been well received. We posted their cards and letters around our Morale Welfare and Recreation room. Please tell them we love them and because we do, we gladly place our strength, blood, and lives in harms way to protect our people and way of life! It is truly a valiant, honorable America we live in today and may God bless us all in our cause for freedom and in our effort in putting down the evil we continue to fight. Thanks so much for the wonderful goodies, the great coffee and well wishes!!! It was all so very well received. Your all very special! We are honored to fight for you and our great nations cause for freedom and to worship our mindful and loving God in the manner in which we believe to be true. And that is what it's all about! Your friend and soldier at the very front, MSG Craig C. Clark, Afghanistan Take care now.

I recently received a care package with your homemade cookies included. Thank you...it was so nice to get such delicious treats. Please know that your commitment to support the troops is very much appreciated! In addition to your homemade treats, every care package includes a healthy amount of 'motivation' and 'encouragement' from home. Thank you very much for your sacrifices to make this possible! Lt Col Anthony Sansano (US Air Force) Afghanistan

Dear Karin and the rest at "Treats For Troops" I wanted to send a big thank you from myself and the rest of the platoon. I am pleased to know that there are still people like yourself that appreciate what we do but I can not express how much we appreciate your support. The silly string that was sent was used to search for trip wires however, a lot of it was also used to my squad leaders birthday. MUCH NEEDED FUN. thank you again and keep in touch Pvt Ryan, Afghanistan

Spinner Law Firm

Helps Military Families

Charles Spinner of The Spinner Law Firm drops by a Ribbon Cutting in New Tampa recently to support Chamber business. The Spinner Law Firm will also have a booth at the Taste of New Tampa on March 20, 2011. Spinner Law Firm is thrilled to be fundraising for the Fisher House at James A. Haley Veteran's Hospital in Tampa, FL. Many of our injured and sick military are far from home and without family. The Fisher House Foundation ensures they don't have to be alone during their recovery. It provides a free place for family members to stay, while their loved ones recover, ensuring that they have family support. Spinner Law Firm is collecting donations from the list below to give to Fisher House. Please stop by our offices at 26843 Tanic Drive, Suite 101, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 or visit our booth at the Taste of New Tampa with your donations. Of course, any monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. We would like to present the Fisher House with all of the items by April 1st. The Foundation and the individual Fisher Houses depend on public donations to continue to support America’s military in their time of need. Join us to support our injured troops in their recovery!   FISHER HOUSE WISH LIST As of March 2011 The Tampa Fisher House continues to run at full occupancy month after month and as a result, there are things we seem to need on an ongoing basis. While the VA funds day-to-day operational costs, including utilities and salaries, each Fisher House is dependent upon the generosity of the community to donate comfort items such as non-perishable foods, etc. for the convenience of the guests. Based on this, some of the items we are in need of include:  • Monetary donations - These give us the flexibility to use your donation as a particular need arises and are extremely welcome. Checks can be made out to “James A. Haley VA” with a note in the memo section “Fisher House” or “GPF 9154” which will ensure your donation reaches the Fisher House account.       Checks can be mailed to: Fisher House James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33612  • Gift cards - To stores such as Publix, Sweetbay, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target or Wal-Mart. These likewise provide us flexibility to fill unanticipated, specific needs of our guests.   • Linens & Kitchen Items – Absorbent kitchen dish cloths and towels, pot holders and oven mitts.  • Houseware Products – Smaller plastic storage/freezer containers; plastic baggies (pint, quart, gallon & 2-gallon size); Mr. Coffee coffee filters (8 – 12 cups), paper napkins; plastic & styro-foam cups; paper plates; plastic forks & spoons; aluminum foil; saran wrap, etc.   • Kitchen Staples – Sugar, flour, non-dairy coffee creamers, non-sugar sweeteners, rice, cooking oil, shortening; breakfast cereal, cans of soup, canned vegetables, canned meats  • Cleaning Supplies – For guests to use when cleaning their rooms and communal areas, such as kitchen sponges, dish liquid, dishwasher detergent (Electrosol Powerball tablets). Also, Febreeze fabric freshener. • Emergency/First Aid Supplies – Rechargeable lanterns, boxes of soft Kleenex tissues, etc.  • Reading Materials – New magazine subscriptions, etc.  • Office Materials – Pens, pencils, stick-on labels, guest book, black “Sharpie” markers, freezer tape, “grease” pencils, brown wrapping paper   In addition to this listing, they are always receptive to individual donation ideas from the community. Should you have an interest in providing a donation in addition to those listed above, or to discuss a significant in-kind, special project donation to the house, please feel free to call the Fisher House manager at (813) 910-3000.   Please note that due to health and safety issues, they are only able to accept donation of new items.

Knights of Columbus Dinner benefit for Baldomero Lopez Veterans Home

Father Ron Aubin, Pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary parish in Land O'Lakes, Claire Thompson of Columbiettes and Dennis Thompson, Event Coordinator for The Knights of Columbus, Council #8104, hosted their annual spaghetti dinner at the Groves, Golf and Country Club to raise money for the veterans who are residents at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Home located in Land O'Lakes.  This year, thanks to the generous contributions of gifts, the catering services provided by Vesh Catering, and of course the generosity and support of those who attend the dinner, the Knights of Columbus were able to raise over $1,500.00 to help support the various special projects for the veterans at the home.

View the photos for this event Click >>> Here

January 2011

Teen's Efforts will

Brighten Troops' Holiday's

Matthew Diskin had a big idea when he was assigned a project by his Boy Scout troop. The 16-year-old started collecting items for care packages to be sent to U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

From FOX 13 News Pasco County reporter Peter Linton-Smith

To view Story and Video, Click >>> my FOX TAMPA BAY

20101126

Treats for Troops

Operation Pocket Change for Troops

Karin King   www.TreatsForTroops.Info    813-746-1517

View the photos for this event Click >>> Here

20101113-02

Heroes in Heels

Fight breast cancer

Read more by B.C. Manion at the  the Community News

View photos by Glenn G. Gefers of  Photos by 3 G  Here

October 6, 2010

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Pack some Baggies For our Troops at the 8th

Street Studio deployed troops for Christmas

Join your friends and neighbors at the 8th Street Studio on 5th Ave in Zephyrhills this Saturday from 10 am till 4 pm to drop off completed baggies or items for the troops or help assemble the baggies. The baggies will be delivered to Bob Williams in Wesley Chapel to be sent to deployed troops in time for Christmas. www.OurTroopsOnline.com suggestions for the baggies:  candies (no meltable chocolate please!), small snacks, singles powdered drink mixes, disposable razors, wrapped cleaning wipes, small packs of tissues, paperback books, jerky, playing cards, toiletries -such as t...ravel sizes, small toys or very small stuffed animals to give to local children, any small items for comfort: think if the baggies as see-thru Christmas stockings! Please NO PORK or ALCOHOL products. also Bob requests NO PUDDING PACKS OR APPLESAUCE PACKS

To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

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Cindy Spire … 9-11 survivor Cindy Spire

Cindy Spire of Zephyrhills was the guest speaker at the Zephyrhills Music & Motorcycles event on 9-11. Spire travel to New York City on September 9th for a conference to be held  at the World Trade Center (WTC). On September the 11th , while sitting in that conference, on the 64th floor at WTC Number 2 the building was struck by a commercial airplane,  high jacked by radical Islamic terrorist, loaded with jet fuel. Spire told the story of her harrowing escape from that doomed building, that was the first to be hit and the first to collapse, taking thousands of lives with it. Spires will never forget where she was on September 11th  or the sites and sounds she carries with her from that fateful day.

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Lutz Patriots Support Troops

Show the Colors on 9-11

Our local Patriots were out in force on September 11showing their Support for our Troops in front of the Old School House. In green were the  Lutz – Land O’Lakes Women’s Club President Edwina Kraemer, and in blue the GFWC Little Women of Lutz, and in red, Bruce Hockensmith and the Lutz Patriots and of course, Lutz Guv’na Steph Ensor.

To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

20100911-01

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Tribute Motorcycle Ride for 9-11

through Pasco County

To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

Photos by Glenn G. Gefers of  Photos by 3 G

Photos by Glenn G. Gefers of  www.photosby3g.com

20100911-05

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Kiefer Village Jewels's donation

to the Lutz Patriots

Friday 9/10/10, we made our annual donation to the Lutz Patriots. This is the presentation photo taken in front of the new Pandora Shop in our Land O' Lakes store. In this photo, left to right, David Hevia (KVJ), Judy McCray, Bill McCray, Kris Star (whose son is a Marine in Afghanistan), Bruce Hocken-Smith, Jim Russell, Wendy Hevia (KVJ). Thanks to everyone from the Lutz Patriots. Looking to Volunteer? Next Saturday, they are packing boxes of goodies to go to our service folks in the Middle East and could use some more helpers.

20100910-01

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Meet Jose Fundraiser

at Weck's American Grill

To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

American Hero and Land O’Lakes resident, Sergeant Jose Pequeno accepts a check for $25,241.00 from Alex Altenhoff, owner Weck's American Grill in Lutz, proceeds from a party thrown by Altenhoff and co-owner John Miller on August 7. Pequeno is surrounded by his family, son Gaige 12, sister Elizabeth Bagley, daughters Mercedes 15, Alexandria 13 and mother Nellie Bagley. The funds will go toward paying for the house that Pequeno is currently living in with his family. Several local businesses donated merchandise and other items. There were auctions, drawings and food, including pulled pork barbecue sandwiches, bratwurst, Weck's Red Bliss potato salad and dessert plus a live band and a DJ. All proceeds from the event will go toward paying for the house, and every penny collected will be counted by The Aleethia Foundation, a Washington nonprofit organization that helps injured troops.           Pequeno, a sergeant in the New Hampshire National Guard in 2006 lost much of the left side of his brain when a grenade exploded while he was on patrol in Iraq. Altenhoff, met Pequeno when Weck's catered his homecoming party in 2008 in Land O' Lakes. "It was then that the Weck’s family became one with the Pequeno family and a commitment to keep this Hero in his home with his family became our sacred mission." They still need to raise $199,000.00 so if you would like to help, please visit Weck’s American Grill, located at 18450 US Hwy 41 North, Lutz or call 813-948-1615 or go to http://www.wecksamericangrill.com

20100816-03

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Tampa Hero St Leo Graduate

PFC Paul O Cuzzupe II

Born December 2, 1986 ~ Died August 8, 2010

My family and I would like to thank everyone for their condolences in this extremely difficult time. Our hearts are broken and we are just trying to cope day to day until Paul can be laid to rest. We know that he gave his life for the freedom that we all enjoy.      As some of you may be aware, Paul had worn many hats within Apria as he worked at the Florida Regional Distribution Center at the age of 18 and later the Tampa Billing Center. By the time he turned 21, he worked at the Lakeland, FL branch as a Delivery Tech under Safraz Khan and Michael Trinidad. In between doing the part-time work with Apria, he attended St Leo University to obtain a Bachelors degree in History and minor in Political Science. His love of American history along with the entire family’s service with the military, Paul chose to enlist and felt it was his turn to give back. His compassionate personality lead the way to become a Combat Medic.      Final arrangements are still pending due to processes in place set by the Dept of Defense. There were multiple casualties as Paul was 1 of 6 (4 Army soldiers and 2 Marines). We are planning everything that we possibly can in advance, so when we receive word that he will be released to his military escort along with his brother Anthony, everything will fall into place. We will then be able to announce the memorial service and mass with dates and times.      Until then, in lieu of flowers, a Memorial Fund has been set up in Paul's name. Please follow the link to donate in memory of PFC Paul Cuzzupe. You may choose a facility/location specifically to donate to, otherwise, the foundation will distribute where funds are needed. Thank you, Annette, Mike and family (Mother and Step-father of Paul) Judy and David Allard (Grandparents of Paul) http://www.fisherhouse.org/index.html Please feel free to forward and share with all who have inquired.

Marine SS Jose Pequeno Fundraiser raises

over $10,000 at Weck's American Grill

Family Needs $200,000 to stay in home

Photo and story by Faith Jordan-Masella of www.OurTownFLA.com    Nelida Bagley, mother of Injured Marine Staff Sergeant Jose Pequeno (from left) chats with Samantha Taylor, of Pure Health Studios, Alex Altenhoff and John Miller, owners of Weck’s American Grill as they surround Jose. Taylor held her own fundraiser to the tune of $4000 prior to the event. Many people showed up to support Jose despite the rain. Weck’s closed their door for regular business and the seats were filled for much of the day. There were lots of prizes, food, music, auction items, and lots of wonderful volunteers. Weck’s American Grill is located at 18450 US Hwy 41 North, Lutz where they raised over $10,000. They can be reached at 813-948-1615 or http://www.wecksamericangrill.com Bobby Harrigan lll, of McKitrick Elementary, enjoyed his Blue Bunny Ice Cream, which was part of the donated food, as his father Bob Harrigan Jr. looks on at the Fundraiser for Injured Marine Staff Sergeant Jose Pequeno held at Weck’s American Grill on August 7.

To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

20100807-01

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Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Struttin Their Stuff to

Support Treats For Troops

by the Women of the Moose

Tuesday, July 27th , Local Vendors and Entrepreneurs were Struttin’ Their Stuff to Support Treats For Troops/Operation Pocket Change. This event was covered by OurtownFLA.com New and familiar faces, great BBQ food, great fun, and thanks for bringing your pocket change. The Postage bill is about $60,000 a month, they can use as much help as we can get. Place: Copperstone Executive Suites: 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd (across from the $1.99 Dry Cleaners). Until they ALL come home! Karin King   www.TreatsForTroops.Info    813-746-1517

To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

20100727-01

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Troops Appreciate Care Packages

from Support the Troops Inc

Support the Troops Inc mails hundreds of care packages to the Troops from their huge warehouse in Pasco County.

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Talk-Of-The-Towne Networking

at All Tune and Lube

To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

Talk-Of-The-Towne Networking at All Tune and Lube and also collects toiletries and snacks for the troops.

20100427-03

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Lutz Patriots 9 Years Flag Waving

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To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

Bruce Hockensmith of the Lutz Patriots starts their 8th year waving the Flag and supporting the Troops. Enlist or get more info Call: 813 961-6671 or EMail at LutzPatriots@verizon.net

20100402-01

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Military Appreciation Day

by Southern Craft Homes

To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

“I wanted to help in any way our company could and get the word out about the need for postage money,” said Jim Deitch, chief operating officer of Southern Crafted Homes. Southern Crafted Homes  located in Land O’ Lakes for 20 years, hosted the event.

Southern Crafted Homes sponsored a Military Appreciation Day to raise money to ship care packages to our troops overseas. “I wanted to help in any way our company could and get the word out about the need for postage money,” said Jim Deitch, chief operating officer of Southern Crafted Homes. “If we can use our influence to help the troops we will because there is only so much the government can provide without the public’s help.” Southern Crafted Homes  located in Land O’ Lakes for 20 years, hosted the event at Stone Gate Community, 2830 Sunny Ledge Court in Land O’Lakes. The group was able to raise over $10,000 for Support Our Troops Inc. in Wesley Chapel.

20100328-02

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Military Appreciation Day

in Land O’Lakes

By Kyle LoJacono Staff Writer Community News

The deployment of 30,000 U.S. soldiers to Afghanistan has created a need for everyday items, so Southern Crafted Homes is sponsoring Military Appreciation Day to raise money to ship care packages. “I wanted to help in any way our company could and get the word out about the need for postage money,” said Jim Deitch, chief operating officer of Southern Crafted Homes. “If we can use our influence to help the troops we will because there is only so much the government can provide without the public’s help.” The business, which has had a location in Land O’ Lakes for 20 years, is hosting the event from noon to 4 p.m. March 28 at Stone Gate Community, 2830 Sunny Ledge Court in Land O’ Lakes. Admission to the event is free, but there will be things like food and memorabilia for sale to raise money for Support Our Troops Inc. in Wesley Chapel.

To read more click: Community News

2010-03

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Lutz Patriots joined many honor

Marine Corporal Jonathan Porto

By Bruce Hockensmith

The Lutz Patriots joined many others today near the USMC Reserve facility on Gandy Blvd. in honoring Marine Corporal Jonathan Porto on his final journey home to Largo. He lost his life in service to his country on Sunday, March 14th in Afghanistan.  He was escorted home by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, accompanied by off duty military personnel riding motorcycles and wearing camouflage uniforms.  We hope that we brought some comfort to his family to see everyday citizens lining the roadside to honor their loved one and to recognize the ultimate sacrifice that he made for his country.    One of our Lutz Patriots has a son that is serving in the same unit to which Corporal Porto was assigned.  I have attached a few pictures that I took at our location.

20100313-03 2010-03

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Support the Troops Ribbon Cutting with Wesley Chapel Chamber

To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

All packages "Must be packed with love".

20100306-01

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Click to view the Photos

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Lutz Patriots remember the 9/11 victims

Click >>> Here

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Kiefer Village Jewels donates to Lutz Patriots

To view the photos for this event Click >>> Here

September 1, 2009-01

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Lutz Patriots Support our Troops

Click >>> Here

        Jan Dixon, Corrine Chereak, Lonnie Dixon, Christine Freeze and David Freeze of Crossroads Community United Methodist Church located at 26211 County Line Rd Wesley Chapel has been showing their support to our troops through their donations of coffee, socks and other goods.  These items will be boxed up and forwarded to the troops.  Programs such as these have had great morale effect on the troops. Corrine, a faithful Lutz Patriot, arranged for our visitors to attend this past Friday's flag waving.  First, the congregation at Crossroads Community United Methodist Church was so gracious in donating coffee, supplies and postage money for our troops.  The Lutz Patriots appreciate their donation and are always amazed at the fact that when we really need support someone always seems to step forward.  There is no donation or effort that is too little or too big.  Just last week, as they were setting their display up, a car pulled up to the curb with window rolled down and out came a hand with a fifty dollar bill in it.  The car then sped off, leaving us no chance to talk or ask questions, but putting smiles on our faces and wondering, just who was that.  So, thanks to everyone for what you do for our troops.

     Secondly, the restored military jeeps in the picture are courtesy of Jerry and Ernie.  Jerry lives in the same neighborhood as Corrine but they did not know each other. Jerry was strolling down the street one day close to Corrine's home and the two of them struck up a conversation.  She asked if they would display the jeeps and they agreed.  They indicated that they would be back for our September 11 flag waving, also.  They have spent a lot of time and effort restoring their jeeps and they looked great, just ask Morgan and Drew, 14 year old twins that were all eyes and full of questions. Thanks to Lonnie, for his service to our country during the Viet Nam era. 

 August 7, 2009-02

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RCCP Helping A Veteran In Need

 July 31, 2009-08

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Pine View MS Veterans Celebration

Click >>> Here

Kyle O’Dea, Student Council President at Pine View Middle School, led the Pledge of Allegiance while standing next to Principal Kim Anderson at the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 10.  Also pictured are Assistant Principal’s Brandon Bracciale (second from right) and Ben Pabst-Veteran (on right). Several Veterans spoke and guests from the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital attended.

November 10, 2008

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U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite presents awards to Veterans from Pasco County recognized for Their Service

Pasco County Honors Fallen Soldiers at West Pasco County Veteran’s Memorial

>July 25, 2008 - 01<

Team Summit

It's official, we won our first soccer game as we played for 3rd place in the Hawijah tournament today.  Bob, if you have Jim Zenoni's address could you please forward it to us.  Great uniforms and think they put us over the top and on the road to victory!!!  Thanks
Son’s of Iraq

Second Battalion Commander, MG Bob Caslen

Team Shurta (IP)

Baldemero Lopez Home Car Show

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The Lutz Patriots Support the Troops

 Click picture to enlarge

Jennifer Bercaw of Girl Scouts Troop 241 stopped by the Lutz Patriot flag waving Friday to donate boxes of girl scout cookies to the troops. Accepting the donation are new Lutz Patriot members Bill and Judy McCray of Land O Lakes.

Karen Williams, Co-Founder of the Lutz Patriots along with sister Barbara Mueller started the grass roots organization in March 2003 to support soldiers serving our great country. Stopping by for the traditional Friday flag waving was granddaughter, 14 month old Chloe, the groups youngest flag waver.

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Vets receive long awaited Awards from Congresswoman

Ginny Brown-Waite in Dade City

Douglas Benjamin 1764…U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) presented Douglas L. Benjamin of New Port Richey, an active member of the United States Army from 1968 through 1971, with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/device, Expert Badge & Rifle Bar and Sharpshooter Badge & Carbine Bar, honoring his military service on Friday, February 22, 2008.Richard Allen 1762…U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) presented Richard S. Allen of Land O’Lakes an active member of the United States Marine Corps from 1966 through 1969, with the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and Combat Action Ribbon, honoring his military service. Charles Stoots 1793…U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) presented Charles W. Stoots of Land O’Lakes an active member of the United States Army from 1955 through 1980, with the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal & Clasp Silver 1 Loop, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device, honoring his military service on Friday, February 22, 2008. Stephen White 1796…U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) presented Stephen F. White of Land O’Lakes an active member of the United States Army from 1965 through 1967, with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device and Marksman Badge & Pistol Bar, honoring his military service on Friday, February 22, 2008.Joseph Dill 1767…U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) presented Joseph F. Dill of San Antonio, an active member of the United States Navy from 1944 through 1952, with the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense

February 22, 2008 - 01

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North Tampa Sertoma Club helps the Lutz Patriots send Christmas packages to Iraq

    Sertoma Club members Carl Steiss and Fred Tetlow were determined that nineteen very needy units deployed to Iraq would have a Christmas. On December 5, the Lutz Patriots received the help of 10 Sertoma members and packed over 19 very large packages.  The packages contained new, current DVD's, new socks, chemical hand warmers for the cold weather, snacks such as cheese dip, crackers, Slim Jims, Girl Scout cookies and sports equipment such as soccer balls, basketballs and footballs.  In addition the Soldiers and Marines who have been deployed for one year will open messages of love included in cards written by families in the community and school children from Schwartzkopf Elementary. The military members receiving this bounty were chosen because they are enduring especially difficult conditions including combat, or have received no mail at all, or have had to worry about family troubles at home.  They will have a special Christmas thanks to the Lutz Patriots and the Tampa East Sertoma Club.   The Lutz Patriots are still in need of support from the community and ask that donations be made by checks made out to the U.S. Postmaster and mailed to:

Lutz Patriots

P.O. Box 1115

Lutz, Fla. 33549

   Click >>> Here

20071129-05

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Zephyrhills Soldier presented

THE BRONZE STAR AWARD

by General David H. Petraeus, Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq

US Army Staff Sergeant Donald J. Harris, II, is congratulated by General David H. Petraeus, Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq, following Award Ceremonies in Baghdad, Iraq where he was presented with The Bronze Star Medal.  SSG Harris is a 1988 graduate of Zephyrhills High School and a career  US Army Non-Commissioned Officer, currently serving in Iraq with the 32^nd Transportation Company, 541^st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, attached to the 10^th Mountain Division.   Harris is nearing the completion of a 15 month tour of duty in Iraq as a Vehicle Convoy Commander and Platoon Leader.  This is his 2^nd Combat Tour in Iraq.  He previously served a year in Korea with the 3^rd Armored Calvary Regiment near the DMZ.   His other awards include the Combat Action Badge, 3 Army Commendation Medals, and numerous Army Achievement Medals, among others.

 The Bronze Star medal is awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished him- or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.  His Medal reads in part “For Exceptionally Meritorious Service During Operation Iraqi Freedom.  His outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq Contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission.  His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of Military service and reflect great credit upon him, 541^st Sustainment Command, and the United States Army.”

 Donnie was born on May 24^, 1970 in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has lived most of his life in Zephyrhills.  His wife, the former Mitzi Delp of Wesley Chapel, and 2 of their children, K.J. and Faith live in Fort Carson, Colorado where he is currently stationed.  He also has a daughter, Raeven, in Tampa.  His mother, Bonniefae Lindsey, and sisters, Julie Zerance of Zephyrhills, and Nicole Smallwood of Umatilla,  and father, Donald Harris of Dade City.  Donnie’s youth centered around a Military community, as his father was a Army Aviator.  He joined the Army immediately upon graduation from Zephyrhills High School and has served his Country and the US Army with the hard work, determination and leadership he was known and respected for by his friends and family while growing up in Pasco County.

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Money Needed for Soldiers in War Zone
 

20071013-04

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