‘Tis the season for many things at Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge.

Christmas brings its own set of priorities and responsibilities. We are in the holiday spirit, and at the same time scrambling to attend parties, visit with friends and family and somehow get that shopping completed all before Santa rolls into town! The same can also be said at Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge…except ours is a little different scenario.

Although we have wrapped up our Challenges for the year, we are extremely busy planning next year’s event calendar, promoting the year-end giving campaign, working on our first newsletter, preparing sponsorship proposals and also giving back to the community we live and work in.
Yes, as busy as we all are, a handful of CWVC staff, volunteers and other caring individuals came together to help The Shepherd Center as they move into a brand new building here in Tarpon Springs. The good news is that they will be able to assist more people that are struggling with homelessness and need help. The bad news is the plain fact that there are MORE people that need the help. And the worst part is that a large majority of them are VETERANS. That is one reason why the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge team rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand in painting the interior of the new building.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

It is unusual for several charities or groups to come to the aid of another. But in the spirit of the season, our team had an assortment of people who wanted to make a difference. Director Arlene Gillis, along with students Harrison Pham and Roy Rangel representing St. Petersburg College / JE Hanger Orthotics & Prosthetics College, CWVC Challenge Warrior Nathan Deneault, Mrs. Marie Martinez, Tania Rodrigues, a UCF student and CWVC Volunteer, Jeff Hoberg, a staff member with Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ office, and our Executive Director CAPT. David Olson and myself.

Congressman Gus Bilirakis stopped by to encourage everyone and thanked us for sharing our time and talents to help those less fortunate. He pledged to continue to do what he can to shed light on the issues of our military veterans and those who need help the most.

Valspar donated all the paint and supplies for the paint party. Christine Shand and Michael Herrera with The Shepherd Center were there painting with several of their volunteers.
A good 4-5 hours of hard work left everyone feeling good. It was time well spent helping a great organization…and it was a wonderful, caring gift we gave one another and our community.

I’d rather do community service than sit and write a load of Christmas cards. ~Paul O’Grady

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!