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The Lexington Veterans Association, although not officially organized at the time, began with a small group of veterans and Lexington's Executive Chef, Wilson Parker, being concerned that no central American Flag existed at the community. This was late winter of 2000. Parker suggested a banquet to raise money and the seven veterans plus Parker and his wife, Andrea (Catering & Banquet Manager) went to work. One month later, enough money was raised to create a Flag & Memorial site at the entrance to the Main Clubhouse. That was just the start of several patriotic events organized and sponsored by the veterans. As of December 2001, the now official Lexington Veterans Association, has over 140 dues paying members. In addition, we hold luncheon meetings every other month which feature some excellent speakers. To find out more click here Veterans Luncheons. Click on the years below to see the photos and text that document these special events.

CLICK ON YEAR TO VIEW EVENTS FOR THAT YEAR

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

SPECIAL EVENTS

PRIDE & PATRIOTISM EVENT 2009

The 7th Annual Pride & Patriotism Event - Youth Celebrating the Arts and Honoring Our Veterans - at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the campus of Edison State College. This annual outstanding event features Lee County students depicting the role of Veterans through poetry and art work. The winners from K thru 12 were featured and veterans awarded those student winners medals. In addition there are several outstanding musical events featuring the 86 member Cape Coral Elementary Choir, The SW Florida Youth Symphony Orchestra and the North Fort Myers High School Band. Students, Veterans, Teachers and the Lee County ROTC combine to make this an unforgettable event. Twelve Lexington Veterans participated. They were Jay Burgess, Bernie Gdula, Rich Hill, Ron Hyers, Al Kuznicki, Phil Loparo, Howard Miller, Len Rubens, Ron Ruff, George Semenek, Ken Taylor and Paul Tenenbaum. Howard's grand daughter Julia Kaye sang the National Anthem accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra. Both LCA and the LVA contributed funds to help support this outstanding event.


Lexington Middle School Student Julia Kaye singing the National Anthem	Ron Hyers & Phil Loparo awarding medal to Three Oaks Elementary student Hannah Bennett	Rich Hill congratulating 1st place Art winner Trafalgar Elementary student Kayla McNeely

Veterans Howard Miller & George Semenek award Three Oaks Middle student Andie Kunkle a medal	LVA vice commander Paul Tenenbaum smiling with pride for Dunbar Middle student William Barbuto along with fellow veteran Bob Kummins	Al Kuznicki & Len Rubens cheering on Caloosa Middle student Andrew Salyer

Jay Burgess & Commander Ron Ruff putting medal around the neck of Three Oaks Elementary student Taylor Bouchard

PRIDE & PATRIOTISM EVENT 2008

The 6th Annual Pride & Patriotism Event...Youth Celebrating the Arts and Honoring Our Veterans... at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the campus of Edison State College was a big hit with the nearly sold out crowd. Put on each year by The School District of Lee County, Florida in conjunction with The Southwest Florida Symphony the purpose is to engage our school children in learning more about veterans and their service to our country by translating that learning into art, poetry and music.

That was certainly and convincingly the case last evening November 19th if applause is any measure of success. The Lexington Veterans Association was quite involved in the event. Rich Hill serves on the Event Steering Committee and had a special role in the Korean War tribute. Lexington volunteer escorts included Jay Burgess, Bernie Gdula, Rich Hill, Phil Loparo, Ben Polk, Ron Ruff, George Semenek, Alek Strich, Ken Taylor and Milan Zimer. The Escorts accompany the grade level winners of art and poetry on stage and present the kids with medals. The poetry and art work symbolize the school kids interpretation of what veterans did while in the service of their country and the winners were selected from several hundred entries by judges. These presentations were interspersed by outstanding patriotic music from the Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, The Ida Baker High School Band and the Three Oaks Elementary School Chorus along with other patriotic events. The LVA also contributed funding for the event.


Don Tallon, a WWII veteran & Commander of the Collier Chapter of the Ex-Prisoner of War, describes the Missing Man table	Michael Hall conducts the SW Florida Youth Symphony in excepts from "Band of Brothers"	Youth Symphony Cellos Performing	The Three Oaks Elementary School Chorus directed by David Norris sings "America, I Give My Thanks to You"	Close up of the Chorus

Korean War Veteran & Lexington Veteran Rich Hill reads the Korean War Salute Poem	Michael Wardell, a member of the SW Florida Youth Symphony, plays "Taps" following the Poem	The Rev. Dr. Randy Moody of the "Sons of the American Revolution" leads the audience in prayer

EDISON POPS CONCERT

Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 - This is second year in a row that the Lexington Color Guard has been privileged to serve this charitable event in presenting the colors and highlighting the Armed Forces Medley performed by the Edison College Symphony Orchestra.

Color Guard - from l to r: Rich Hill, Ron Ruff, Ben Polk (saluting the Marine Corps Hymn), Phil Loparo

MEDAL OF HONOR MEMORIAL DEDICATION CEREMONY

On Thursday, April 24, 2008 - Dedication ceremony of the Hector Cafferata Memorial at the Cape Coral elementary school named in his honor. Hector is a member of the Marine Corps "Chosin Few" from the Korean War and a Medal of Honor recipient. The school kids, teachers and the school choir participated in this event. The school is located at 250 Santa Barbara Blvd North.


Medal of Honor - Nation's Highest Award	Honor Guard at Memorial	Crowd milling around	Hector on right, Jay Burgess in center

Hector with old Marine Brothers	Plaque on Memorial	Hector flanked by Ben Polk & Rich Hill	Memorials like Hector's helps Remembrance of the Korean War

KOREAN WAR VETERAN'S MEMORIAL DEDICATION CEREMONY

Another impressive Memorial ceremony occurred on Sunday, March 30 at 2 pm at Veterans Park (Echo Park), just across Veterans Bridge in Cape Coral during the unveiling ceremony of the new Korean War Memorial. Lexington Color/Honor Guard had the honor of performing the Silent Rifle Drill in front of well over 100 people that included the Military Officers of the Republic of Korea, members of CentCom in Tampa. Add to that the Cape Elementary School Chorus singing several patriotic songs, The Korean Community Church Choir singing the Korean National Anthem, Rifle Salute by VFW Post 8463 Honor Guard, Lexington Honor Guard Captain Rich Hill performing "Taps", the closing of "Amazing Grace" by the Lee County Pipes & Drums, all making for a somber day of remembrance to the 54,246 Americans killed in the three year Korean War. Commander Don Hamm-Johnson of the local Korean War Veterans Association was Master of Ceremonies.


SW Florida Korean War Monument	Lexington's Rich Hill playing Taps	Marine Corps League Honor Guard leads march in	Patriotic singers Cape Coral Elementary School performs.

Laying the wreath	Don Hamm -Johnston introduces Mayor Eric Feichthaler	At Present Arms	Korean Army General Jeong

Lee County Pipes & Drums			Silent Rifle Drill Team performs

VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL DEDICATION CEREMONY

In one of the most impressive and emotional veteran ceremony's in recent memory, The Southwest Florida Vietnam Veteran's Memorial was dedicated Sunday, March 9th. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 594 spearheaded the development of the Monument and the ceremony as well. Special speaker was Lexington's retired Colonel Milan Zimer, a highly decorated Air Force F- 4 fighter pilot with well over 100 missions in Vietnam. Milan stirred the memories of hundreds of Vietnam Veterans in attendance with his descriptions of the difficult times back in the 60's and 70's, how the distortions of the press and the political mismanagement of the war led to the undermining of the brave and many times victorious efforts of the military and of he and Linda's recent return to Vietnam and the attempt to put to rest the difficult memories of that time in his life. Finally, as a Huey Vietnam vintage Chopper flew over the site, the Last Patrol reenactment of a Special Forces unit operating behind enemy lines brought pride, tears, and patriotism to the forefront of the many hundreds in attendance. As the Last Patrol worked their way up to the Monument and placed their heads and hands on the three black walls listing the 76 SW Florida soldiers who lost their lives, a deafening and respectful silence filled the area. (photos by Rich Hill)

Vietnam Veteran's Memorial	Vietnam Veteran Chapter 594 Color Guard marches in	Retired Air Force Colonel & Vietnam Vet Milan Zimer was the Main Speaker	Service Flags flying

Special Forces Last Patrol	Spotting the enemy	Last Patrol pays tribute to fallen heroes	Huey Chopper fly over

A caring wife wipes tears off her Marine Vietnam Vet husband as he relives the memories	Last Patrol pays respect to their fallen brothers	Vietnam Vet salutes the flag	Lexington Vets attend - Ken Taylor & Bernie Gdula - further down the row are Vietnam Vet & Speaker Jim DeVoss, Jake Kaleel & Vietnam Vet George Semenek

LEXINGTON VETERANS HOST SW FLORIDA KO WAR VETS TO HEAR ABOUT NEW NATIONAL MUSEUM

A very special meeting for Korean War Veterans of SW Florida took place on Jan 31 at Lexington Country Club. Hosted by the Lexington Veterans Association, an exciting slide presentation unveiling the new interactive Korean War Veterans National Museum & Library was presented by Larry Sassorossi, Executive Director. Entitled A War No Longer Forgotten, the Mission of the Museum is to educate people about the historical significance of the Korean War.

The new state of the art 21^st century interactive Museum will be located in Springfield, Illinois across from the popular Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. Korean War Veterans from the host Lexington Veterans Association, SW Florida Chapter of the Korean War Veterans, The Chosin Few Veterans of SW Florida and the Combat Infantrymen’s Association of SW Florida were enthusiastic about the endeavor. The total cost of building the new museum will be $18.4 million. Over 65,000 individuals have sent contributions to the effort. The financial support of patriotic citizens and corporations will ensure that the building will open in time for many of the forgotten heroes to know their valiant sacrifices were not in vain. For more information visit - www.KWNM.org.

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The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to

CAFFERATA, HECTOR A., JR.

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 28 November 1950. Entered service at: Dover, N.J. Born: 4 November 1929, New York, N.Y.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company F, in action against enemy aggressor forces. When all the other members of his fire team became casualties, creating a gap in the lines, during the initial phase of a vicious attack launched by a fanatical enemy of regimental strength against his company's hill position, Pvt. Cafferata waged a lone battle with grenades and rifle fire as the attack gained momentum and the enemy threatened penetration through the gap and endangered the integrity of the entire defensive perimeter. Making a target of himself under the devastating fire from automatic weapons, rifles, grenades, and mortars, he maneuvered up and down the line and delivered accurate and effective fire against the onrushing force, killing 15, wounding many more, and forcing the others to withdraw so that reinforcements could move up and consolidate the position. Again fighting desperately against a renewed onslaught later that same morning when a hostile grenade landed in a shallow entrenchment occupied by wounded marines, Pvt. Cafferata rushed into the gully under heavy fire, seized the deadly missile in his right hand and hurled it free of his comrades before it detonated, severing part of 1 finger and seriously wounding him in the right hand and arm. Courageously ignoring the intense pain, he staunchly fought on until he was struck by a sniper's bullet and forced to submit to evacuation for medical treatment Stouthearted and indomitable, Pvt. Cafferata, by his fortitude, great personal valor, and dauntless perseverance in the face of almost certain death, saved the lives of several of his fellow marines and contributed essentially to the success achieved by his company in maintaining its defensive position against tremendous odds. His extraordinary heroism throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

KWNM Exec Director Sassorossi honors MOH Cafferata

Medal of Honor recipient Hector Cafferata asking a question about the Korean War National Museum

The SW Florida Chapter of the Chosin Few presents LVA with Photo of Korean War Memorial in D.C. from L to R - Wally Dugan of CF - Rich Hill of LVA - MOH Hector Cafferata of CF - Ken Taylor of LVA

Larry Sassorossi and other vets talking about the new Museum

Exec Director Sassorossi of the Korean War National Museum

Vice Commander Paul Tenenbaum who organized the event

Ambassador Yong Chol Ahn & Rich Hill of LVA

Medal of Honor recipient Hector Cafferata with Ambassador Ahn

LEXINGTON VETERANS TREAT MARINE "POOLIES" TO FIRING RANGE

The new Armed Forces 90 Day Recruit Deferment program really tests aspiring military hopefuls. Toward the end of their training and the survivors preparing to head for regular duty boot camp training, the Lexington Veterans Association, in cooperation with the Lee County Sheriff's Dept., hosted some 40 Marine "Poolies", as they are called, to a day on the firing range. The gun range is the "state of the art" facility in Buckingham. It happened to coincide with the Marine Corps Birthday, Nov 10. Spearheaded by Ben Polk and his son, retired Marine Major Morgan Polk, it was a great experience for these young men and women. (See pictures below) Photos are Thumbnails - please click on photo to enlarge, then click on browser back button to return to this page (Photos by Adair Polk)


Marine "Poolies" preparing for the day	So young looking to prepare for such tough duty - soon to Parris Island Boot Camp	Marine "Poolies" on the range awaiting instructions the Sheriff's experts

Weapons ready for the gun range	Young Marines showing off their targets - Lex Vets from l to r: Bernie Gdula, Ron Hyers, Ken Taylor, Rich Hill & Ben Polk	Lex Vets with Marine Non-Coms at day's end . Polk shaking hand with the head honcho - Master Sgt Alyward

VISIT TO COAST GUARD FACILITY

Friday, August 25, 2006 - Five members of the Lexington Veterans Association toured the Fort Myers Beach Coast Guard Station on August 25. They received information on the scope of responsibilities, manpower, boating capabilities and overall mission. Those attending were Ben Polk, Ken Taylor, Petty Officer Townley, Rich Hill, Bill Ratliff and Bob Lotz.


l to r: Polk, Taylor, Townsley, Hill, Ratliff & Lotz	Petty Officer Townsley talking to Hill, Lotz, Taylor & Ratliff	l to r: Hill, Ratliff, Taylor, Lotz & Polk

MONICA & ANNIE'S SAGAS - 63 YEARS IN BETWEEN

Monica Benning, Army Nurse survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941 was superb in telling her first hand account of Dec 7th. Coupled with the amazing story of 11 year old Annie Hassie receiving the Purple Heart from Iraqi War Veteran Scott Montgomery, the Veterans Luncheon became one of the best ever. (Click on Lex Events & Luncheons to see the whole story)


Annie Hassie, 11 yr. old with Purple Heart	Annie and Monica Benning, Army Nurse survivor of Pearl Harbor attack in 1941 and main speaker	Norm & Beth Smith, Grandparents with Annie and her parents, Jim and Elizabeth Hassie of Greenwood, Indiana

LEXINGTON VETERANS TREAT MARINE RECRUITS TO PIZZA


Lex Vets Ben Polk, Phil Loparo & Rich Hill host Marine Recruits at the local Marine Corps Recruiting Headquarters	Same group outside the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Fort Myers. Many of them left for Parris Island Marine Boot Camp the following Monday

KOREAN WAR "CHOSIN FEW" MEMORIAL DEDICATION

On Saturday, April 24th, 2004, Korean War Veterans Ben Polk and Rich Hill and their wives attended the Southwest Florida Chapter of The Chosin Few dedication of their new memorial in Eco Park, Cape Coral. The Lexington Veterans Association gave the Chapter a check for $200 towards the memorial. One of the epic battles in all Marine Corps history occurred in Nov of 1950 in the mountains of North Korea. With temperatures reaching 50 degrees below zero and surrounded by over 120,000 Chinese forces, a division of Marines with attached units of the Army I-Corps, bravely fought their way some 80 miles to the coast near Hungnam where the U.S. Navy evacuated the survivors and some 100,000 North Korean refugees. Suffering huge losses but inflicting death to nearly a 100,000 Chinese troops, "The Chosin Few " as they are so aptly referred to wrote a new chapter in Marine Corps History. One of our Lexington own, who died 5 years ago here, was one of those brave marines - Purple Heart recipient Miles Vondra. Miles was wounded in November 1950 in that epic battle and evacuated to a hospital in Japan. He returned to the U.S. in mid 1951. A number of survivors were introduced on Saturday including local Lee County Medal of Honor recipient Hector Cafferata, Jr.

Music: US Navy Band - "4 Ruffles & Flourishes & Honor's March"

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