Weekly Report 🎖️
Camp Gordon Johnston | Thanksgiving | Whitmer Memorial Scholarship
Have a Happy Thanksgiving on behalf of the Budwest Chapter
Special thanks to everyone who supported the Panera Bread fundraiser. We were able to raise critical funds needed to support our programs.
Camp Gordon Johnston WW2 Museum joins the Coalition 🎉
The museum is located at across the street from Carrabelle Beach.
1873 Highway 98 West
Carrabelle, FL 32322
Special thanks to everyone who attended the “Howl at the Moon” fundraiser. K9’s For Warriors was able to raise over $45,000. Your support will impact the lives of many wounded warriors.
Great news! We had a flurry of RSVP's after my last email and as they say in show business, the show will go on ... SO, I look forward to seeing everyone in about a week and a half, on MONDAY, December 2.
We have a special surprise lined up for dinner attendees, but mum's the word; you'll get no additional hints from me. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by pianist Mara, who was sweet to rearrange her schedule to accommodate our date change. I hope you will join me in expressing our appreciation to her for that effort. Doors will open at 5:00 for an hour to socialize, with brief business starting at 6:00.
We have three opportunities to help others this season. If you would like to support one (or all), please bring your donation to the dinner and we'll ensure it gets to the program POC before their deadline date:
1. Holiday for Heroes (Red Cross sponsored) - a local campaign to care for and honor dedicated military members and veterans. Please see the attached flyer.
2. Toys for Tots - USMC sponsored - unwrapped toys
3. Guardian Ad Litem Holiday Gift drive - a holiday drive for the children of the Second Judicial Circuit. Age appropriate toys and/or books are needed for ages ranging from less than 1 year old to 10 year old. Diapers and wipes are always needed. Gift cards in $25 donations are helpful for children 11 and up. Here's a breakdown of what the Second Judicial Circuit is trying to cover this year.
Finally, please consider supporting Wreaths Across America. This worthy cause "remembers the fallen, honors those who serve, and teaches the next generation the value of freedom". You can sponsor a wreath for a local veteran at the Tallahassee National Cemetery by ordering at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org or by calling Wreaths Across America at 877-385-9504, between 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Personally, I like to order Patriot Pairs. This way, for each pair, one wreath goes to the cemetery of my choosing and the other comes to me so I can hang it in my home.
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, see you at the December Holiday dinner and social!
Cheryl Walters
850-212-7009
Angelique and Gavin Witmer Memorial Scholarship
Angelique Witmer and her son, Gavin Witmer, both tragically passed away on November 11th, 2024, after a pickup truck crossed the median and hit their vehicle head-on. They were headed to downtown Tallahassee for the boys to perform in the Veteran’s Day parade with the Rickards Highschool Band.
WCTV News Article on Angelique & Gavin
Gavin was a star student, drum major, multi-instrumentalist, and true leader amongst his peers in the band. With every ounce of himself, he was committed to musical excellence and improvement. Gavin planned to study music performance at FAMU or FSU and dreamed of becoming a jazz musician and band director.
Angelique was also a talented musician and encouraged and supported Gavin in his musical pursuits. Angelique, Gavin, and Mark - their surviving husband and father - loved to play music together at their home and attended many concerts together.
In honor of Angelique and Gavin's memory and lifelong love of music, the Witmer family is organizing this fundraiser in the hope of establishing a memorial scholarship for talented seniors in the Rickards High School Marching Band.
Unless a miracle happens this coming week, Holidays for Heroes will not happen this year.
Veteran Video of the Week 📺
Jackson Smith, USMC Veteran discusses undiagnosed TBI, "What do we do now?
Jackson Smith is the executive director of BASTION in New Orleans, LA. BASTION is a community of Veterans living and dealing with multiple issues including TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). As a combat Veteran Jackson knows first hand how hard it is to integrate to civilian life after the military.
Wreaths Across America
87.7% The last update I received from TNC was they still needed 395 wreaths. Less than 2 weeks remain before the deadline. You all are amazing. Keep up the great work and spread the word. Make sure you use the FLTNCT purchase code.
Support Veterans and Grow Your Business! 🤝
This newsletter delivers 52 Weekly Reports a year, sharing vital news and events happening in Florida’s Big Bend Veteran community. Each issue provides a unique opportunity for your business to sponsor a weekly report and connect directly with our readers.
As a Community Partner, your organization will:
Be featured in a trusted resource that keeps Veterans informed.
Gain visibility among Veterans and their families who rely on our emails.
Display the Community Partner medal on your business/organization website showcasing your support for our vital mission
Share your Veteran resources at our monthly meeting
Sponsoring a Weekly Report is more than advertising—it's a partnership that strengthens the Veteran community while promoting your business.
Upgrade to paid, choose Community Partner, and make an impact with your support!