September Events

Observe: The National Suicide Prevention Month is observed annually in the United States to raise awareness about suicide, promote open conversations about mental health, and connect those in need with vital resources. 

Get Involved: Wounded Warriors Ability Ranch Annual Alive Day Tuesday, September 1st – 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM OCC Roadhouse – 10575 49th St N., Clearwater, FL 33762 Celebrating Mike Delancey’s Alive Day. This year, we honor the 20th anniversary of the sniper attack he survived during military combat in Iraq and the life-changing paralysis he has faced since.  This is a 10-mile casual bicycle ride event visiting 6 schools and the Pinellas Park Fire station. A fully escorted ride with Police and EMT – all abilities are welcome.

Get Involved: Presented by Horse Soldier Bourbon, benefiting Team American Freedom.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of bourbon, brotherhood, and purpose. Hear the story of Horse Soldier Bourbon — its origins and the history of the veterans who founded it — straight from Green Beret and co-founder Rob Schafer. You’ll also learn how Team American Freedom is transforming veterans’ lives through its three pillars of community, holistic health, and entrepreneurship, with remarks from the TAF President and Tylor Neil.

Featuring 1776 Bourbon-Barrel-Aged Beer, pouring exclusively for this event — supporting Team American Freedom with every glass.

Every ticket includes a donation to Team American Freedom.

Get Involved: We are thrilled to announce the return of the Veteran Civilian Arts Ensemble! You are invited to join us on Saturday, September 5^th at 2:00pm for the VCAE Meet & Greet here in TECO Theater at the Patel Conservatory. Get to know the instructors, fellow VCAE members, and other individuals like yourself! VCAE creates a safe space in which community members, active military members, and veterans may get together and create. Our upcoming rehearsal schedule will be announced at the meet & greet. This opportunity is FREE and open to all, so we welcome you to invite your friends and any community members. Please see below for the sign-up link!

Interested in attending? Please take a moment to sign up HERE!  RSVP will be required.

 If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at communityprograms@strazcenter.org. 

Get Involved: The 25th Anniversary 9.11 Promise Run is a journey of remembrance and honor while also providing an opportunity to help the children of disabled and deceased first responders and military service members who sacrificed for our communities and country. The journey begins at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and ends three days later at Ground Zero in New York. Individuals and relay teams contribute by raising awareness of events surrounding September 11, 2001, and raising funds for $5,000 to $15,000 individual merit-based academic scholarships. Participation is possible through a flexible run/walk/bike option. Volunteers to help conduct the event are most welcome. Hosted by the 9.11 Promise.

ATTEND IN PERSON/ZOOM: The event will tie in the firm’s value proposition – “power of personal” where we focus on building connections and adapting the RJ culture of service to the lessons learned from 9/11 and how the community rallied together and adapted. This remembrance event centers not just on honoring 9/11, but carrying forward the unity and purpose that emerged on 9/12—connecting directly to RJ’s culture of personal connection, adaptability, and community impact. We will discuss how the spirit of 9/12 continues to shape leadership, service, and the power of personal connection today. Guests include: CEO Paul Shoukry, Evangelo (Vann) Morris, Rob Schafer, Rhonda Sentochnik, Seneca Hall, and Ted Hynes. 

Get Involved: Stay in Step is 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.

Get Involved: Held in partnership with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment Association, the tournament brings together military members, veterans, community leaders, and patriotic supporters for a memorable day of golf, camaraderie, and giving back. Participants enjoy a full day on the course featuring friendly competition, on-course contests, meals, awards, and opportunities to connect with fellow supporters of our nation’s military. 

Get Involved: The Robert Irvine Foundation is supporting America’s heroes and their families through food, wellness, community, and financial assistance. The Red Wine and Blue event is a one-of-a-kind 3-course dining experience, presented by the Robert Irvine Foundation, supporting service members, veterans, first responders, and their families, and honoring the Enlisted Aide of the Year winner and nominees.

Get Involved: 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.

Get Involved: Quantum Leap Farm‘s Colors of Courage is a fundraising luncheon benefitting program participants: veterans, pediatric cancer patients, kids and adults with special needs, and their family members. Money raised at this event will help underwrite scholarships for participants – veterans always attend programs free of charge, and many of our participants are undergoing financial hardship. The event is held at Armature Works in downtown Tampa. Doors open at 11:30am, presentation and lunch start at noon, and we’re wrapped up promptly at 1:00pm. There is no charge for tickets, but we do ask that guests RSVP.

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.

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.

Get Involved: The Brain Health Open, in partnership with Task Force Dagger, is a one-of-a-kind golf experience that blends competition with mission. Hosted at MacDill Golf Course, the event brings together leaders, supporters, veterans, and athletes for a day of connection, performance, and purpose. Featuring Battle on the Back Nine, participants take on team-based, military-inspired challenges that test performance under pressure—highlighting the critical role brain health plays on and off the course. Every swing supports early identification, access to care, and improved outcomes for veterans and youth athletes.

Get Involved: Experience the thrill of one of New Jersey’s most spectacular annual traditions, the Seaside Semper Five Marine Corps Charity 5K Run/Walk. Set against the picturesque Seaside Heights boardwalk, this race is more than just a competition; it’s a lively festival of resilience, patriotism, and community. This September, lace up your running shoes for a race that features a breathtaking certified course along the famous New Jersey boardwalk and energizes both runners and spectators with its spectacular ocean views. Feel the energy as thousands, adorned in patriotic regalia and military uniforms, unite to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. The Seaside Heights boardwalk bursts into life with enticing food, exciting games, and vibrant entertainment, crafting the perfect outing for friends and family. Hosted by The Marine Raider Foundation. 

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

Get Involved: Held at the picturesque Scott Mansion Farms in Tellico Plains, Tennessee,  and benefiting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, the event combines the beauty of harvest season with a celebration of patriotism and community. Guests can spend the day picking fresh grapes, enjoying live music, shopping local artisan and vendor booths, sampling delicious food, and taking part in activities for all ages—all while honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s Special Operations personnel. 

Get Involved: The Angel Flight West (AFW) Golf Classic stands out as one of Southern California’s most thrilling annual golf events, offering various ways to get involved. Not only does this tournament promise participants a top-notch day of golf and networking, but it also directly contributes to AFW’s vital mission of providing free flights for individuals in need of critical medical care.  An AFW flight can mean the world to a patient heading to a clinical trial, a child with a congenital heart defect seeking specialized care, or an organ transplant recipient requiring crucial follow-up treatment. For these individuals and the countless others who rely on our assistance each year, Angel Flight West stands as a beacon of hope and support. Join us in making a difference one flight at a time.

Get Involved: 4JCS is holding a Family Day event during our September Battle Assembly to provide our Service members and their family members and guests the opportunity to have a fun day on base and at the base beach with grilling, water balloon fights, cornhole tournament, football, volleyball, tour of facilities, arts & crafts, etc. Email 1LT Julie Robinson for more information. 

Get Involved: Raymond James Valor and our RJ Talent & Development Recruiters are sponsoring a booth at the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) 2026. This event four days of connection, opportunity, culture, and collaboration for the people moving the military-connected community forward. With more than 3,000 veterans, active duty service members, military spouses and military supporters projected to attend MIC in Tampa, this event brings together people and organizations who shape and support the military community. Chef Robert Irvine from the Irvine Foundation is set to Keynote this year’s event.

Get Involved:  The Join Forces: Charleston Style event is a special occasion that brings together a group of New York Times bestselling thriller authors in a roundtable conversation. This year, the event will feature authors such as C.J. Box, Joseph Finder, Stacy Willingham, and Don Bentley, offering an up-close-and-personal look at their writing process, books, characters, and more. The event is organized by the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which aims to provide educational support to the children of Fallen Special Operations Personnel and Medal of Honor Recipients. The foundation’s mission is to ensure that the children of those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty receive full education opportunities.

Get Involved: The Joint Communications Support Element – Veterans Association (JCSE-VA) is hosting a resource fair held at the JCSE’s Veterans Hall, 8532 Marina Bay Drive, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, to inform active duty and reserve troops of the services and support available to them and their families. Email Ms. Cindy Gierke, Family Readiness Coordinator Joint Communications Support Element, for more information. 

Get Involved: Please join the Marine Raider Foundation on Saturday, September 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the 6th Annual NorCal Marine Raider Foundation Fundraiser! Hosted by Foundation Board Member Michael Manoukian, the day will include:
Lunch – We will have a Food Truck onsite!
Drinks, including a whiskey & cigar bar
Live music
Panel discussion with Special Guest(s)
Silent Auction

Get Involved: The Runway 5K – Run for the Angels is an annual event that brings together the community to support Angel Flight West’s mission of providing free air transportation to individuals in need of medical care. Held at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield, Colorado, this unique race allows participants to run or walk on a flat airport runway, offering a memorable experience with scenic views. The event features both in-person and virtual participation options, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Observe: In the United States, Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day honors the mothers, fathers, and families who have lost loved ones serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, a tradition stemming from World War I’s gold star service flags.