- November 2, 2024
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All six of the honorees Army Spc. Elwood “Woody” Schiffman, Harold Ronson, retired Air Force Col. Leonard Friedlander, USMC Capt. Tom Smith, retired Army Col. Ben Knisely and Army Spc. Christopher Keilty.
Retired Army Col. Ben Knisely and Army Spc. Elwood “Woody” Schiffman
Sarasota County School Board member Caroline Zucker and retired Army Col. Ben Knisely.
Dan and Tootie Kennedy with Andy Hooker
Part of the Operation Military Assistance Program is the Basket Buddy for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
JFCS Case Managers Natalia Cava and Mindy Saldana
Each honoree received a plaque to commemorate their service to the community.
Sarasota County Veterans Commission Vice President and Chaplain Ted Smith and retired Marine Corps. Capt. Tom Smith.
JFCS Board Chair Elect Steve Seidensticker steps in for the presentation to welcome guests.
JFCS President and CEO Rose Chapman with Valerie Leatherwood
John M. Rosetrater and retired Army Col. Ben Knisely
Jim Henry, Jim Roque and Larry Lieving
Daniel DeFrank and Michael Nemer
Six local veterans were recognized by Jewish Family & Children's Service of the Suncoast Monday with the Tribute to Veterans Service to Community Awards Luncheon at Michael's On East.
The honorees were nominated by members in the community for inspiring patriotism and their service to the community. All of the honorees work with non-profit organizations like the VFW Post 3233, Sarasota County Veterans Commission, Sarasota National Cemetery Support Committee, The Friendship Centers and The Military Officers Association of Sarasota.
The honorees for the event included retired Air Force Col. Leonard Friedlander, Army Spc. Christopher Keilty, retired Army Col. Ben Knisely, Harold Ronson, Army Spc. Elwood “Woody” Schiffman and USMC Capt. Tom Smith.
Guests were encouraged to bring in food donations for veterans in need. The food drive is part of Operation Military Assistance Program or OMAP. The program offers case management and financial assistance to low-income veterans and their families.From 2014-2015 612 veterans received services from the OMAP program.
There was also an opportunity for guests to sponsor a Basket Buddy for $100 which provides cleaning and laundry essentials for veterans, many of which have become homeless.
