A Gift of Service – A Life of Honor

Sonata Viera Assisted Living Facility honored their Veterans with the help of St. Francis Reflection’s Christine Tate, the Veterans Coordinator. She was joined by Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 1 who raised the POW/MIA flag, and the colors presentation was provided by Viera High School JROTC Color Guard. The Star-Spangled Banner, and later God Bless America were led by a resident who was an honored Veteran. Christine had the honor of introducing the guest speakers for the day – Joe Killian, CEO of St Francis Reflections, Timothy Thomas, Melbourne District 1 Council Member, Steve Griffin, St. Francis Board Member and Veteran Volunteer, Carol Gonzales, Sonata Viera Executive Director and Donn Weaver Gold Star Father, and Cindy Flowers, Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 1 Vice President.

During this special pinning ceremony there were 40 Veterans from all branches of services, and 35 Veteran spouses pinned by a Veteran and presented a certificate of appreciation for their service. Each Veteran was also coined – a special recognition that is carried with them where ever they go. This included 2 women who were honored as both Veterans and Veteran Spouses. Shawn Bassham presented a plaque and flag for display at the facility. The event concluded with a prayer by Chaplain Gerald Norrington of St Francis Reflections.

Jerry Gill, George Rosenfield and Brian Whalen, (pictured) were in attendance representing the Indian River Colony Club Foundation and the MOAACC (Military Officers Association of America) Good Deeds Foundation who are very special partners with the St. Francis Reflections We Honor Veterans Program. Their generosity helps share these events in Brevard County to honor those who served or the spouses who loved them. If you would like join the IRCC Foundation and the MOOAACC GDF in helping us to provide this kind of honor for Veterans within your community please let us know. To help support the pinning ceremonies click here.

Serving one’s country is a gift that demands their all. It is right and fitting that we lift them up and speak their names.