Events

Volunteer: TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one. If you are here because our mission to care for the families of America’s fallen heroes speaks to you as well, we welcome you to connect with us about giving,  volunteering,  professional engagement  or careers. Volunteerism is at the very foundation of TAPS. In 2023, nearly 5,000 volunteers donated their time and talent to support the TAPS mission, providing more than 71,000 hours of support. In addition to their generosity, more than 1,100 Military Mentors volunteered 60,000 hours supporting survivors.

Participate: Irreverent Warriors knows that the best support network for veterans, is other veterans. We bring a community of warriors together through therapeutic events across the country. We also work with other veteran organizations who provide services such as job placement, training, housing, service dogs and more.

Volunteer: Hire Heroes USA is a veteran employment nonprofit charity. Volunteer opportunities through mentoring, LinkedIn reviews, fundraising, sharing industry knowledge with job seekers on webinars, and mentoring in the Federal Sector. Volunteer coordinators will reach out to you with candidate availability and try to match candidates with volunteers at mutually beneficial times. LinkedIn reviews are on your own time. Pay it forward- share your employment success strategies with transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. Learn more and register here. For questions, you can reach out to Sarah Nightengale.

Volunteer: Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization comprised of independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission. Participation in an Honor Flight trip gives veterans the opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades, remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other veterans. Honored veterans always travel free of charge, thanks to generous donations to our organization. Veterans can sign up for an Honor Flight trip. Anyone can get involved as a volunteer by searching here for an Honor Flight Hub near you. 

Observe: Each January across the nation, we pause to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a great humanitarian and visionary leader whose courage was instrumental in bringing freedom and liberty to all Americans. Dr. King understood, as every Veteran understands, that freedom is never free. Generations of Service members have stood against injustice, tyranny and oppression and have broken the bonds of slavery around the world. Even though Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., never served in the American armed forces, the Department of Defense joins the nation in honoring the life and legacy of King by making the holiday a day of community service – “A Day On, Not A Day Off.”

Ride/ Donate/ Volunteer: The Honor Ride is a non-competitive cycling event where active service members, injured veterans, first responders and the general public all get to ride together. From building and donating adaptive bikes and producing cycling events throughout the nation to supporting community-based rehabilitation and recovery programs and important medical and clinical research, Project Hero is raising awareness of the national PTS mental health crisis and making a difference in the lives of thousands of Veterans and First Responders, as well as their families and communities. Join our Raymond James riding team by registering here | Volunteer by clicking here | Make a general donation here.

Observe: American Heart Month is celebrated in February to raise awareness about heart disease. During this time, the American Heart Association, along with organizations like the CDC and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), encourages people to focus on cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes, risk assessment, and community involvement. Key activities include getting regular check-ups for blood pressure and cholesterol, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and participating in events like National Wear Red Day on the first Friday of February.

Observe: Four Chaplains Day honors four WWII chaplains (Catholic, Jewish, Protestant) who sacrificed their lives by giving up their life jackets on the sinking USS Dorchester in 1943, linking arms in prayer as the ship went down in the icy North Atlantic. The day is observed nationwide with interfaith memorial services. 

Observe: The Coast Guard Reserve was established by the passage of the Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary Act of February 19, 1941. That act also established the Coast Guard Auxiliary under its present name.

Attend/ Donate/ Play: This is the Mardi Gras event you won’t want to miss! Join us in your cocktail attire and masquerade masks for an elegant evening filled with flying beads, a second line, and brass playing band to keep you entertained all evening long. 

Observe: Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed every March to raise public understanding of brain injuries and support survivors and their caregivers. The month is used to promote prevention, recognize the signs and symptoms, and advocate for better treatment and support services. Organizations like the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) lead awareness campaigns and provide resources to help reduce the occurrence of brain injuries.  

Observe: The U.S. Navy Reserve Birthday is celebrated annually on March 3 to commemorate the establishment of the United States Navy Reserve. Did you know the Navy Reserve was established in 1915, making it more than a century younger than the U.S. Navy.

Attend/ Donate: Stirrup Hope is the annual fundraising gala for Quantum Leap Farm’s equine-assisted therapy programs. Our theme this year is Disney’s Tangled, a movie based on the story of Rapunzel. Her story teaches us that although it may seem scary, adventuring out of your comfort zone may lead to great new experiences for you. Rapunzel’s journey – so closely parallels that of many of our veterans, pediatric cancer patients, and children and adults with special needs. They too are navigating a difficult and sometimes isolating journey, trying to find that place where they belong. Quantum is that place, and our gentle horses and professional staff are here to help them do just that!

Sponsor/ Play: Tennis and Pickleball Tournaments including silent auction, raffle, wine pull and 50/50. Tennis & Pickleball start 8 am and run all day. All proceeds to benefit Tunnel to Towers Foundation. On Sept. 11, 2001, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller strapped his gear to his back and raced on foot through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel to the World Trade Center Site after he received word of an attack. There, he gave up his life while saving others. Note: there is a discount code for all of our first responders, law enforcement, firemen, veterans, etc. For more info, questions, sponsorship opportunities, email JudyTampaBayTennis@T2T.org.

Ride/ Donate/ Volunteer: Experience the thrill of Bike MS: Suncoast Challenge, a one-day cycling adventure just an hour from Tampa. Pedal through the scenic landscapes of Sarasota County, with coastal views along Casey Key, breathtaking bridges, and the renowned 5-star Legacy Cycling Trail — you may even encounter a pirate or two along the way. Feel the extraordinary support and excitement throughout your journey as we come together to reach our goal — a world free of MS. Join the RJ team here. 

Observe: The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for military valor in action and was first signed into law in 1861 during the Civil War. The Medal is a distinguished award, presented to those who have shown gallantry and intrepidity, at the risk of their lives, above and beyond the call of duty.

Observe: The day was chosen because the last U.S. combat troops left the Republic of Vietnam on March 29, 1973. The last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam also arrived on American soil on that day. The day honors the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families, and recognizes those who were not properly welcomed home.

Observe: April is the Month of the Military Child (MOMC). The life of a military kid is a blend of unique adventures and challenges. It’s important to keep in mind that they serve our country too, as part of a military family… not just in April, but all year long. Celebrate the challenges and triumphs of our military-connected children. These amazing kids selflessly sacrifice for our country and are brave, proud, and strong.

Observe: Gold Star Spouses Day is a solemn but important day of remembrance and recognition observed on April 5 each year. It is a day dedicated to honoring the spouses of military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Participate: Join the Woody Williams Foundation, in partnership with the Nashville Sounds Baseball Club, is excited to present Gold Star Family Day at the Ballpark. This Outreach event was developed by the Woody Williams Foundation to host Gold Star Family members for baseball, food, community, peer support, and great fun! Families in attendance will enjoy watching the Nashville Sounds (AAA team of the Milwaukee Brewers) as they battle the Memphis Redbirds (AAA team of the St. Louis Cardinals).  A meal will be provided to all families. As a part of this special day, Gold Star Family members will be throwing out the first pitch. 

Observe: The Air Force Reserve was officially established on April 14, 1948, by President Harry S. Truman, seven months after the Air Force was established as a separate service. The Reserve’s lineage, however, dates back more than 100 years to when Reserve air power was established in the National Defense Act of 1916.

Sponsor/ Play/ Donate:  You are invited to our annual Military Heroes golf event. The event is designed to provide our sponsors, veterans and wounded heroes with a unique experience honoring those who wear the cloth of our nation. Programming includes a foursome scramble golf tournament, on-course activities and stations, a chef-driven barbeque luncheon, and meet & greet with Chef Robert Irvine. As Robert reminds us, Nothing is Impossible –
Let’s make a difference together!

Observe: Formed April 23, 1908 as the Medical Reserve Corps, today’s U.S. Army Reserve has evolved into a global operational reserve force, engaged to support America’s active duty forces.

Observe: National Military Appreciation Month is a month-long observance in the United States that takes place in May to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military, both past and present.

Observe: National Mental Health Awareness Month is observed to raise awareness about mental health and mental health care. The month-long observance, started in 1949 by Mental Health America, aims to reduce stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that help those with mental health conditions and their families. 

Observe: Trauma Awareness Month is observed annually to raise awareness about trauma prevention and education. Established in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, the month-long observance focuses on preventing injuries and promoting safety, with different themes each year, such as distracted driving, sports injuries, and falls.

Observe: The VFW Day of Service is a day set aside for veteran-led local community service events. It is an outgrowth of the VFW’s #StillServing initiative that since 2020 has brought recognition to how much U.S. military veterans continue to serve in their communities after they take off their uniform.

Observe: International Firefighters’ Day is observed on May 4, in order to honor firefighters for their service internationally, remember firefighters who lost their lives during service and to commemorate firefighters killed in the September 11 attacks.

Observe: First recognized by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, Military Spouse Appreciation Day was established to honor the sacrifices and contributions of military spouses. 

Observe: May 13th is Children of Fallen Patriots Day. In the past 25 years, more than 15,000 children have lost parents in military conflict. Children of Fallen Patriots Day was created in order to both honor these children and raise awareness of the sacrifices and struggles they must endure in the wake of their parents death

Observe: Armed Forces Week is a week of celebrations that culminates in Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday of May in the United States. While the entire week honors the military, Armed Forces Day specifically recognizes and pays tribute to the men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. 

Observe: Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police week  (May 15) : Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is an observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. It is celebrated May 15 of each year.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Attend: Annual fundraising gala. WWAR was built to inspire veterans of all conflicts to get OUT and get ACTIVE by offering activities for all Military Veterans in need of a supportive and healing environment. WWAR offers a huge range of activities, workshops, clinics and events for all veterans and the adaptive sports community in the Tampa Bay Area.

Observe: National EMS Week honors emergency medical services professionals for their dedication. The event is organized by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) to recognize the contributions of EMTs and paramedics and raise public awareness of their role. 

Observe: Holiday for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Sponsor/ Donate: JROTC and ROTC Annual Fundraiser to encourage graduating cadets going directly into the military with $1,000 appreciation gifts at Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, Gibbs High School in Corryton, Tennessee, and state-level scholarships throughout the country.

Attend/ Sponsor/ Donate: The Storybook Ball on Saturday, May 17th will have the theme of “Moana” and will take place at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel. The event promises to be a magical evening featuring cocktails, interactive stations, a delicious selection of food and live music, as well as live and silent auctions. The funds raised from the event will support Ronald McDonald House Charities Tampa Bay which is a home away from home that provides comfort, support, and resources to families who are receiving life saving medical treatment.

Observe: The goal of PTSD Awareness Month is to: Raise public awareness about PTSD, Reduce the stigma associated with PTSD, Ensure that those suffering from PTSD receive proper treatment, and Highlight information about PTSD symptoms, including available treatments.

Register: The Straz for the Performing Arts would like to invite you to the VCAE Showcase on Saturday, June 7th  at 2pm in our Teco Theater. The Veteran Civilian Arts Ensemble (VCAE) culminates in a presentation of original music, writings, choreography, and visual art. This collaborative performance between veterans and civilians is designed to create an opportunity for our civilian members to gain a deeper understanding of the veteran experience and engage with former active military. This is a FREE event and welcome to all! Please see below how to register.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Play: Next 18 provides immersive four-day wellness camps that use the game of golf as a catalyst to deliver holistic mental health education and support for veterans and first responders. These camps combine group facilitation with activities like yoga, breathwork, journaling, and meditation, offering a unique blend of therapeutic resources within a traditional golf camp experience. By fostering constructive conversations and equipping participants with practical tools for healing, the program empowers veterans and first responders to lead healthier, happier lives.

Attend: The Ask an MS Expert: Veterans program provides an opportunity for attendees to learn more about multiple sclerosis from top MS experts and resources specific to military Veterans. Quarterly programs focus on trending topics related to the Veterans MS community. Experts answer predetermined questions and MS Navigators provide resource support. Program Objectives: Provide evidence-based information on trending topics in MS | Empower and equip Veterans affected by MS to solve challenges and learn about tools to help navigate their journey with MS | Provide an opportunity for the Veterans MS Community to connect with each other and MS experts..

Observe: Women Veterans Day is observed on June 12 to honor the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1948. This law allowed women to serve in the military as permanent members, not just during wartime, and in a variety of roles beyond nursing and secretarial work.

Observe: Flag Day is a United States holiday celebrated on June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the American flag on June 14, 1777. The holiday was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, but it wasn’t until 1949 that Congress approved it and President Harry Truman signed it into law.

Observe: On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress established the Continental Army to defend the 13 colonies during the American Revolution. The first men to enlist were from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Attend: A charity hockey game aimed at raising awareness for veteran suicide prevention. This event will see the Lightning Warriors play 22 continuous hours of hockey against several other local teams in the Tampa Bay area and beyond. A portion of the proceeds from this event is always donated to at least two other charities with a similar mission.

Observe: On 25th June 1950, after years of clashes along the border, the North Korean People’s Army invaded South Korea, overwhelming the south’s forces.

Observe: National PTSD Awareness Day is celebrated annually on June 27. It aims to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health problem that may develop after a person has been exposed to one or more traumatic events

Sponsor/ Play/ Donate: The goal is to host a “Christmas in July” 4 mile run on July 4th to help raise funds to provide for Christmas gifts of children of fallen service members. Each mile in honor of a local fallen hero and their families attend. Bringing Hope and Help to America’s Families of Fallen Soldiers! ALL PROCEEDS benefit surviving family members!

Observe: Independence Day, known colloquially as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.

Sponsor/ Play/ Donate: The goal is to host a “Christmas in July” 4 mile run on July 4th to help raise funds to provide for Christmas gifts of children of fallen service members. Each mile in honor of a local fallen hero and their families attend. Bringing Hope and Help to America’s Families of Fallen Soldiers! ALL PROCEEDS benefit surviving family members!

Sponsor/ Donate/ Play: Next 18 provides immersive four-day wellness camps that use the game of golf as a catalyst to deliver holistic mental health education and support for veterans and first responders. These camps combine group facilitation with activities like yoga, breathwork, journaling, and meditation, offering a unique blend of therapeutic resources within a traditional golf camp experience. By fostering constructive conversations and equipping participants with practical tools for healing, the program empowers veterans and first responders to lead healthier, happier lives.

Attend/ Donate: The Tunnel to Towers Let Us Do Good Village, located in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, is a community of mortgage-free homes specifically built with the unique needs of our Fallen First Responder Families, Gold Star Families, and Smart Home recipients in mind, while lifting the financial burden of a mortgage off their shoulders. The Foundation aims to create not just a group of homes, but an interconnected community of families who can relate to one another through their sacrifices and resilience. Residents will know inherently that they have a network of supporters to lean on in times of struggle, and that they will never be alone. Join us at our multi-family home dedication at 11:00 am. You do not need to RSVP to attend. Just show up. 

Observe: Each year, brave men and women from the military service return to civilian life. This day was created to remind job seekers and employers alike that these veterans’ experience and dedication can breathe new life into the workforce. It aims to teach people about the value of hiring a veteran.  If you are interested in volunteering as a mentor, career transition, or learning more, click here for more details. 

Observe: The Coast Guard was established by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton on August 4, 1790. The Coast Guard’s mission is to ensure the safety, security, and stewardship of the nation’s maritime interests.

Sponsor/ Attend: Since 2014, the Warrior Symposium has been an industry-leading event bringing together hundreds of veteran-serving professionals, community leaders, and corporate advocates to break down barriers and enhance community-based services by fostering collaboration. The 12th Annual Warrior Symposium will highlight best practices, peel back the layers on pressing issues, and explore strategic opportunities to maximize government and nongovernment programs while building thriving, sustainable veteran communities across the country. We invite you to be a part of this important conversation!

Observe: Purple Heart Day is celebrated on August 7th each year to honor the service members who were wounded or killed in action while serving in the United States military. The day also recognizes the bravery of those who fought for the country and ensures that their courage is not forgotten.

Observe: The birthday of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAUX) is June 23, 1939. Congress established the USCGAUX as the Coast Guard Reserve, a non-military service of unpaid volunteers

Sponsor/ Attend: Register for this free, one-day workshop designed to help youth explore their self-perception, manage emotional stressors, and develop healthy coping strategies to support long-term mental and emotional resilience.  Parents are also invited to a session with distinguished psychologist and executive coach. Mind Masters is a wellness workshop for rising middle school students focusing on mental and emotional strength and resilience among all youth (not just those from a military family). Lunch and light snacks will be provided to all participants.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Attend: Help America’s VetDogs make a difference in the lives of veterans and first responders by participating in our America’s VetDogs 5K Run & Dog Walk, now part of the Suffolk County Veteran Run Series! Dogs are welcome to join you on your run/walk too! America’s VetDogs is also hosting a virtual run/walk for those that live far away and cannot attend.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Play: Next 18 provides immersive four-day wellness camps that use the game of golf as a catalyst to deliver holistic mental health education and support for veterans and first responders. These camps combine group facilitation with activities like yoga, breathwork, journaling, and meditation, offering a unique blend of therapeutic resources within a traditional golf camp experience. By fostering constructive conversations and equipping participants with practical tools for healing, the program empowers veterans and first responders to lead healthier, happier lives.

Observe: The birthday of the United States Marine Corps Reserve is August 29. President Woodrow Wilson signed the Naval Appropriations Act of 1916 on August 29, 1916, establishing the Marine Corps Reserve.

Volunteer/Sponsor/ Participate: This is a super fun race and the largest outside of the NYC 5K with well over 1K participants attending. Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries forward a legacy of courage and heroism. Built upon the mantra, “While we have time, LET US DO GOOD,” the Foundation supports our nation’s fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes, and their families. Click Here to participate or volunteer. Click here to follow our event Facebook page.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Attend: We are a veteran-founded and operated organization that provides long-term rehabilitation to veterans and civilians suffering from a spinal cord and/or traumatic brain injury, stroke, or any other neurological disorder resulting in paralysis in the Greater Tampa Bay and surrounding areas. The annual gala is our opportunity to raise awareness and the yearly funds that sustain our program. Held every September, the night is meant to highlight the achievements of our amazing clients, acknowledge the tireless efforts of our staff and recognize the contributions that others have made to support our program. The Annual Gala is a black-tie & gown event, that features a new “theme” every year, ensuring that no two events are ever the same.

Observe: The United States, Patriot Day occurs on September 11 of each year in memory of the victims killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001

Sponsor/ Donate/ Participate: The 9.11 Promise is a journey of remembrance and honor while also providing an opportunity to help the children of those who have sacrificed for our communities and country. This year the journey consists of solely virtual events where individual participants and teams commit to raising funds for scholarships by completing 9.11 miles between 9 and 11 September by walking, running, or biking in the location of their choice.

Attend/Sponsor/ Participate: Camaraderie Foundation’s black-tie event. This one-of-a-kind evening features a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, and entertainment.

Observe: The United States Air Force (USAF) celebrates its birthday on September 18th. United States Air Force (USAF) birthday. President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, establishing the USAF as a separate branch of the U.S. military.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Attend: Please join us for a fundraising luncheon with inspiring stories of courage! Your gift provides scholarships to help veterans, pediatric cancer patients, kids and adults with special needs, and their families find the courage to begin or continue their journey to wellness. Quantum Leap Farm is Horsepower for the Soul

Observe: In the United States, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September. It honors those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. It is most associated with those who were POWs during the Vietnam War.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Play: Next 18 provides immersive four-day wellness camps that use the game of golf as a catalyst to deliver holistic mental health education and support for veterans and first responders. These camps combine group facilitation with activities like yoga, breathwork, journaling, and meditation, offering a unique blend of therapeutic resources within a traditional golf camp experience. By fostering constructive conversations and equipping participants with practical tools for healing, the program empowers veterans and first responders to lead healthier, happier lives.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Attend: Help America’s VetDogs make a difference in the lives of veterans and first responders by participating in our America’s VetDogs 5K Run & Dog Walk, now part of the Suffolk County Veteran Run Series! Dogs are welcome to join you on your run/walk too! America’s VetDogs is also hosting a virtual run/walk for those that live far away and cannot attend.

Sponsor/ Donate/Attend: Wine Women & Shoes is a fun new event paws4people introduced last fall.  WWS includes a sip, stop and shop marketplace filled with wine tastings from vintners around the country, unique shopping selections, and one-of-a-kind experiences, dinner, a live auction, and a high-end fashion show! This event will raise funds for the paws4people foundation. Paws4people’s mission is to educate and empower people to utilize Assistance Dogs to transform their lives. They place Assistance Dogs, at no cost to our clients, to turn their disability into an ability

Volunteer/Sponsor/ Participate: This is a super fun race and with well over 1K participants attending. Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries forward a legacy of courage and heroism. Built upon the mantra, “While we have time, LET US DO GOOD,” the Foundation supports our nation’s fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes, and their families. The race will once again be held in Starkey Ranch District Park. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH THIS EVENT! Or join us as a participant. Sign up here to race or volunteer. Click here to follow our event Facebook page.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Play: Next 18 provides immersive four-day wellness camps that use the game of golf as a catalyst to deliver holistic mental health education and support for veterans and first responders. These camps combine group facilitation with activities like yoga, breathwork, journaling, and meditation, offering a unique blend of therapeutic resources within a traditional golf camp experience. By fostering constructive conversations and equipping participants with practical tools for healing, the program empowers veterans and first responders to lead healthier, happier lives.

Sponsor/ Donate/Attend: We cordially invite you to join us for our fourth annual Join Forces: Texas Style major and festive fundraising dinner, to be held on Saturday, October 5th from 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM at the Omni Hotel Dallas. Our special guest speaker that evening will be Lieutenant Commander Jonny Kim – Navy SEAL, NASA astronaut, and Harvard Medical graduate physician. All proceeds will benefit Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) – SOWF provides full educations and additional educational opportunities “cradle to career” (preschool through college), for the surviving children of Special Operations Forces lost in the line of duty as well as children of all Medal of Honor Recipients. Expanded eligibility includes the children of active-duty Special Operations Personnel who have lost a spouse, as well.

Observe: October 26 is recognized as the National Day of the Deployed, a day dedicated to honoring those deployed in service to the U.S. military. This observance honors all service members who have been deployed in service of our country. The day also acknowledges the sacrifices that military families make during deployment.

Observe: October 28 is a day of honor for the firefighters, police, paramedics and others who take action when danger and disaster strike. While many of these brands offer hero discounts year-round, this time of year provides a special opportunity for brands to show their appreciation with even bigger deals.

Volunteer/ Sponsor/ Donate/ Play: Join us on the Innisbrook Golf Resort Copperhead Course as we bring associates, advisors, and community partners together to support veterans/ first responders and their families who have already given so much. Annually the Raymond James National Veterans Inclusion Network (Valor), hosts a golf fundraiser in support of local veterans and their families. Proceeds of this annual tournament benefits veterans nonprofits focused on mental health, rehabilitation, enhanced mobility, affordable housing and home maintenance, and career transition for veterans and their families.

Observe: National Veterans and Military Families Month (NVMFM) is celebrated every November to honor the sacrifices and contributions of military families and veterans:

Attend/ Sponsor: The Beat ‘n Eats Food + Music Event brings together the very best in food and music for a truly one-of-a-kind experience featuring a family style, six-course dinner presented by top celebrity and local chefs accompanied by live music performances from established and emerging artists.

Sponsor/ Donate/ Play: Next 18 provides immersive four-day wellness camps that use the game of golf as a catalyst to deliver holistic mental health education and support for veterans and first responders. These camps combine group facilitation with activities like yoga, breathwork, journaling, and meditation, offering a unique blend of therapeutic resources within a traditional golf camp experience. By fostering constructive conversations and equipping participants with practical tools for healing, the program empowers veterans and first responders to lead healthier, happier lives.

Volunteer/Participate: Join us in honoring our country and supporting our heroes through our inaugural Veterans Day Honor Walk . We will begin our 3.3 mile walk at O2 Fitness on Independence Blvd, and end at Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill in downtown Wilmington with a post-walk celebration to include paws4people dog meet and greets and prizes. Proceeds from the event will support paws4vets, a program of paws4people®, that has been providing some of the world’s most highly trained Service Dogs to our Wounded Veterans since 2008. Along with their Service Dog, they also receive proprietary Intervention Transfer Training®, Peer-to-Peer support and the backing of the entire paws4vets organization for life.

Observe: Marine Corps Day. The United States Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War. The Marine Corps Birthday is one of the biggest social events of the year for leathernecks all over the world.

Observe: Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Attend & Support: Veterans Day celebration at The ANNIKA. Active or retired military personnel (+a guest) will have complimentary access to the Hero Outpost (Hole 12). This LPGA event – The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican – is being hosted at Pelican Golf Club. In short time, the tournament has become one of the most prestigious stops on the LPGA schedule, and this week, the event will reach heights not previously reached. 

Donate a Toy: Join Valor NY as we collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to children during the holidays. The pick up of the toys by the Marines is done a couple weeks before Christmas. Support the year-round work of Marine Toys for Tots and make a lasting impact in the lives of disadvantaged children. With your generous donation, we can continue our mission of providing toys, books, and emotional support to children in need – no matter the time of year. By joining Toys for Tots, you’ll ensure that disadvantaged children experience the joy of play, the power of imagination, and hope for a brighter tomorrow throughout the year.

Observe: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually in the United States on December 7, to remember and honor the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States declaring war on Japan the next day and thus entering World War II.

Volunteer/Attend: QLF is hosting a holiday meal service and hygiene kit distribution for homeless veterans to celebrate their veterans’ accomplishments and success in the Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) MHICM program this year! Quantum Leap Farm is hosting an annual “Holiday Bash” for approximately 100 men and women in the James Haley VA Hospital’s MHICM Program. QLF has been hosting this event since 2008 for individuals with severe and persistent mental health conditions resulting from service related trauma. Most of these veterans are Vietnam era, and are experiencing financial hardship. Quantum Leap also serves them a nice (donated) meal too, and the VA staff gives them awards for things like smoking cessation, reduction in calls to the emergency help lines, managing an apartment independently, etc.

Observe: We recognize December 13th as the birthday of the National Guard. On this date in 1636, the first militia regiments in North America were organized in Massachusetts.

Observe: The United States Space Force (USSF) was established on December 20, 2019, making its birthday December 20th. To protect the nation’s interests in space, and to address the growing threat from near-peer competitors.