Veterans Fair Draws Tremendous Response

By Kai Rambow

 

“I went all the way around, and I probably stopped at ninety percent of the tables,” commented wheelchair-bound veteran, Patrick Clarahan.  “Just about every table, people were very easy to talk to.  There were a few tables at which I had to wait, but it wasn’t that bad.”

The wait was due to the tremendous response from community veterans. Hundreds showed up to learn about services available to them. Pam Smith-Beatty, a 21-year veteran herself, is the Women Veterans Program Manager with the VA.  When asked about the focus on women, Smith-Beatty illuminated: “A lot of times they don’t think of themselves as veterans. Women do so many things, they often push their service to the side and we don’t think about it. In reality, that service means that you’re eligible for health benefits, care, loans and the GI bill. If you’ve ever served in any service, you should look and see what you’re benefits might be.”

Not knowing what is available was a common theme. Manuel Guevara with The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay shared how very few veterans knew about their center. “It is the epicenter for crises or referral.  We answer the 211 calls, the substance abuse hotline, and the suicide prevention line.” Just about any question related to mental health and well-being can probably be answered by this center.  More importantly, they can let veterans know where to find help.

Clarahan was enthused to learn about some extracurricular activities that should help him get out of the house more.  “Because of my disabilities, I spend a lot of my time watching TV.”  This well attended event was clearly helpful to many veterans.

 

In the photo: Bud Brubaker and Bill McKiernan volunteered to let Marine veterans know about the Leathernecks club.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

July 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

July 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Commemorate Memorial Day, pretty up a pond, marvel at award-winning photos, save the date for the annual SCC July 4th breakfast and pool party, check in with the LRPC, celebrate being “#1,” take advantage of an “exciting...

Taking Our Best Shots of Florida Wildlife

Taking Our Best Shots of Florida Wildlife

Taking Our Best Shots of Florida Wildlife By Bob Sanchez Seven members of the SCC Photo Club headed to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. With one enormous exception, all the fauna are native Floridians. We snapped...

Rainbow Bridge Dedication

Rainbow Bridge Dedication

The Sun City Center’s CA Dog Owner’s Group held a dedication ceremony for their newly installed Rainbow Bridge. The Rainbow Bridge is where your special pets wait for you after they pass on, so you can enter heaven together. We are blessed to have a...

JUNE 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

JUNE 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Meet the SCC History Contest winner, enjoy Coffee and Conversation, save the date for the July 4 Pancake Breakfast, get to know Executive Secretary Alisha Marshall, commiserate at the Rainbow Bridge, honor our Veterans, get a...

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Learn about the Moffitt Cancer Center kickoff, get an update on the Waterset Sports Complex, improve your green thumb with the Tillers and Toilers and the Elegant Gardeners, sail with the Cygnet Yacht Club, save the date for the...

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Explore the myriad of opportunities in the community through FunFest, marvel at the wonders created for the Stained Glass Show, swashbuckle with the History Society, save the date for shredding day, catch up with the Long Range...

March 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

March 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Check out FunFest on March 11 and Sun ‘n Fun on March 28, find out about the latest scams on March 9, stroll the Bluebird Trail, thank Claudia Hinson for years of outstanding service to the community, learn about Seniors in...

February 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

February 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Meet the new SCCCA board, enjoy amazing images created by Photo Club members, celebrate 60 years of SCC, jam with the Kings Point Music Makers, grab your calendars to fill with February festivals… Enjoy a Casual, Comfortable...

Virgin Atlantic Starts Service to London Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic Starts Service to London Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic Starts Service to London Heathrow By Kai Rambow Travel is back! Virgin Atlantic just started service between Tampa and London Heathrow.  It’s a first. Yes, there is British Airways, but their flight is to London Gatwick.  As...

January 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

January 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Discover why bird lovers flocked to Community Hall, save the date for the Volunteer Picnic on February 15; cruise with the Holiday Cart Parade, see how folks celebrated Christmas in Wimauma, enjoy the Shrine Christmas party, hang...