Pace, Florida: Veterans Swing into Action for a Cause!
Golfing isn’t just a hobby for many veterans in Northwest Florida; it’s their escape, a way to clear their heads and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow service members. A small group of enthusiastic veterans, along with some community members who share their love for the game, banded together a few years ago for a cause. They created a golf tournament aimed at raising funds to support U.S. military veterans in their area. It’s a brilliant win-win situation: play golf and serve a noble community purpose at the same time. You can’t beat that!
This dedicated group formed the Emerald Coast Veterans Alliance (ECVA), a non-profit organization with a clear mission – to raise funds for veterans’ groups throughout Northwest Florida. Just this Wednesday at beautiful Stonebrook Golf Club in Pace, the ECVA awarded a whopping $12,000 in grants to three awesome organizations helping veterans get back on their feet.
Who Got the Cash?
The lucky grant recipients include:
- Honor HER Foundation in Pensacola, providing housing for homeless female veterans.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4833 (John O’Connor Post) in Milton, an organization that has served veterans for over 50 years.
- Project Healing Waters Pensacola chapter, which teaches veterans about the art of fly fishing and offers therapeutic trips to beautiful river spots.
Healing Through Fly Fishing
One of the grant recipients, Project Healing Waters, focuses on helping veterans coping with mental and physical challenges through fly fishing. This calming pastime is said to provide a gentle escape, especially for those dealing with PTSD and similar struggles. “If fishing is religion, fly fishing is high church!” summed up former Navy pilot Mick Milo, who leads this wonderful program. He believes there’s a genuine healing effect that water can have on individuals.
Initially, as veterans join the program, many have difficulty socializing or being comfortable in group settings. But as they engage in learning how to tie flies and even build their own rods, they begin to loosen up. “We take them on fishing trips at least once or twice a year,” Milo shared enthusiastically. Their next exciting venture is scheduled for February back to the South Holston River in Tennessee.
The Impact of the Grants
Money for fly-fishing trips doesn’t grow on trees, which makes these grants from the ECVA incredibly impactful. “We’re committed to helping those who served our nation,” said retired Army Col. Bucky Howle, president of the ECVA. He pointed out that many board members and committee members are also former military personnel who truly understand the specific needs of veterans.
Since their first grant awards in 2019, the ECVA has allocated over $140,000 in funds to various veterans’ organizations. The three recipients this year have received help from ECVA in the past, demonstrating the alliance’s consistent effort in this area.
A Place to Call Home
Barbara Francis, president of the Honor HER Foundation, was over the moon about the grant. “This is amazing. This is life-changing for many of our ladies,” she said. The foundation, started by retired Navy cryptologist Nancy Bullock-Prevot, runs a home called Faith House for homeless female veterans. “We have the same responsibilities as any homeowners, and we’re lucky to have this house,” Francis explained.
Some residents of Faith House have been living in precarious situations before getting help. One woman hadn’t seen her family in nearly 40 years. Thanks to Francis’s persistence and social media sleuthing, she was able to reunite the woman with her family, including her 95-year-old mother. The joy of those connections cannot be overstated.
Helping Veterans of All Needs
Meanwhile, at the VFW Post 4833 in Milton, retirees are gearing up to use their grant to make necessary home repairs for fellow veterans struggling post-service. “Funds from the grant will go towards roof repairs, tarps, and helping those who need it the most,” said retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Sue Pike. Their dedication spans from building wheelchair ramps to providing essential home repairs, proving that a little help can go a long way in turning lives around.
Through these combined efforts, the spirit of community thrives. Whether it’s swinging a golf club or casting a line, the ties of brotherhood and sisterhood remain strong. After all, helping veterans isn’t just a task; it’s a heartfelt mission.
