PHOTO GALLERY : A Tribute to Veterans

President of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission Andy Hooker calls veteran Rick Rogala up to accept his award for service.

Former USS Pueblo Prisoner of War Rick Rogala and Vice Mayor Willie Shaw look over medals Rogala had received for his service. He was held as a prisoner of war in North Korea for 11 months and finally released on Dec 23, 1968.

President of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission Andy Hooker embraces veteran Rick Rogala as he accepts his award,

Len and Christa Frielander with Mary and Bill Lafollette

Retired Col. of the United States Marine Corp Reserve John W. Saputo listens to Christopher Reynolds call him to the podium.

Retired Lt. Gen. of the U.S. Army and Board Chair at Sarasota Military Academy Howard Crowell Jr. calls Headmaster Daniel Kennedy up to the podium to accept his award.

Hillary Steele and Barbara Brizdle

Sarasota Military Academy Sophomore Gracie Cespedes played the National Anthem on the violin.

Patricia McLain, Barbara Hamilton, George and Kay Tracy

(seated) Fran Talley, Nicole Double and Todd Hughes (standing) Shannon Duvall, Marty Katz, Phil King, Casey Welch and Jessica Rogers

Veteran of Dessert Shield and Dessert Storm Christopher Reynolds calls up veteran John W. Saputo to accept his award.

Veteran of Dessert Shield and Dessert Storm Christopher Reynolds stands for the National Anthem.

Claire Power, Tyeann Dillon, Barbara Hodalski, Christopher Davis, Frank Hodalski, Francine Diemer and Fred Scheerle

Founder and Headmaster of Sarasota Military Academy Daniel F. Kennedy thanks the organizations for the award and says he couldn’t have done it without the hardworking students at Sarasota Military Academy.

Veteran and award recipient Earl Jacobson said he couldn’t have served without his wife Gerry’s support and understanding.

Retired Lt. Col. of the United States Marine Corp Earl Jacobson asked all of the wives of veterans to stand and be recognized for their support and understanding of their military husbands.

Former USS Pueblo Prisoner of War Rick Rogala and Vice Mayor Willie Shaw look over medals Rogala had received for his service. He was held as a prisoner of war in North Korea for 11 months and finally released on Dec 23, 1968.

Rose Chapman gives veteran Earl Jacobson his award.

Linda Gould of the Patterson Foundation (far right) presented Sandra Frank of All Faiths Food Bank and Rose Chapman of Jewish Family and Children Services with $10,000 grants for each organization to continue their veteran services.

Veteran and award recipient Steve Wilberding shakes Board Chair of Jewish Family and Children Services Rich Segall’s hand and accepts his award.