JFCS Tribute to Veterans Luncheon.

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John Rosentrater and Troy Scott. Photography by Wendy Dewhurst-Clark.

John Rosentrater and Troy Scott. Photography by Wendy Dewhurst-Clark.

See gallery from JFCS Tribute to Veterans Luncheon.

Jewish Family & Children's Service of the Suncoast hosted its annual Tribute to Veterans Luncheon recently, recognizing six veterans for their service to our country.
Honorees included Leonard Friedlander, Col. USAF (Ret.); Christopher Keilty, SPEC5, US Army; Ben Knisely, Col. US Army (Ret.); Harold Ronson, SC2c, US Navy; Ellwood "Woody" Schiffman, SPEC5, US Army; and Thomas A. Smith, Capt. USMC.
Nearly 200 guests gathered at the Michael's on East Ballroom for the patriotic event, including Marie Monsky, Sheriff Tom Knight, Kay Karioth, Karen Bogues, Ken Abt, Monica Caldwell, Veronica Brady, Alfred Rose, Scott Anderson, Norman Olshansky, David Green, Molly Schechter, Marty Katz and Johnette Cappadona, among others.
Guests were welcomed by President and CEO Rose Chapman and incoming Board President Steve Seidensticker, who reminded guests that JFCS helped more than 600 homeless veterans last year through its Operation Military Assistance Program (OMAP).
Guests then heard from Michael, a veteran who turned to JFCS when events brought left him homeless and without hope. Having lost his home and custody of his daughter, it was "one phone call from JFCS that turned my life around," he said. With help from JFCS, Michael got the hand up he needed and today sees "nothing but great opportunities ahead thanks to the OMAP program."
Following lunch, awards were presented by Chapman and event chair Troy Scott, Col. US Army (Ret.), to the six honorees.
Upon receiving the award, Smith said, "I accept this award on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Vietnam veterans who received no recognition for all they did. It is on behalf of my brothers that I accept this award." But it was Ben Knisely who summed things up, saying, "Our country would not be what it is, and none of us would have what we have, without our veterans."
The luncheon benefits programs and services offered to veterans through OMAP, including case management and financial assistance to low-income veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

 

Last modified: May 3, 2016
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