Honoring the service and sacrifices of U.S. military men and women was the theme of the ninth annual Heroes Gala to benefit Jacksonville-based Operation New Uniform.
Held Dec. 3 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, the gala attracted hundreds of supporters of the nonprofit that provides military veterans and spouses with free training programs that help them make the transition to the civilian workforce. In addition to cocktails and dinner, the evening featured both live and silent auctions to support veterans’ training and networking programs.
“FOX & Friends” host Brian Kilmeade, who served as master of ceremonies, noted that Ponte Vedra was the perfect location for the charity benefit.
“People here care about this country,” Kilmeade said. “They bleed red, white and blue — and when people want to be in the land of the free, they come to Ponte Vedra ...”
Kilmeade said strong support for the nation’s military can be found among people on both sides of the political aisle.
“I think people have a sense of awe for people who serve,” he said, adding that most Americans recognize that serving in the military requires men and women to put their lives on hold and make countless sacrifices.
The challenge comes, he said, when it comes time to leave the military.
“The military prepares you for everything, but it doesn’t prepare you to take off your uniform,” Kilmeade said.
That’s where organizations like Operation New Uniform come in. Since its inception, CEO Michele McManamon told attendees, ONU has provided training to 400 veterans and spouses, boasting a 97% success in helping them transition to well-paying positions in the civilian workforce.
“These are careers, not jobs,” she stressed.
‘Increased Devotion’
A special highlight of the evening was an address by former Congressman Lt. Col. Allen West, who drew inspiration from President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in calling for “increased devotion for those who are willing to give the last full measure of devotion.”
“My father served in World War II, and he told me, ‘Son, there is no greater honor than to wear the uniform of the United States of America,’” West said. “It irks me no end that we have to be here tonight. We have veterans we need to be here for tonight. We have to do better in showing increased devotion to them. When you take off that uniform, we need to have an organization like ONU.”
At a time when suicide among veterans has reached epidemic proportions, West called on attendees to continue to support America’s military men and women as they return to civilian life.
“Especially at the holiday season, there should not be a veteran who feels they are all alone, that this life is no longer worth living,” he said. “I challenge you every single day: We must give them that increased devotion.”
