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INTRODUCTION PAGE

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty."      

--(Inaugural Address - John F. Kennedy - January 20, 1961)

         

Welcome to our Web Site honoring Armed Forces Veterans living at Lexington Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida. The great majority comes from all over the United States of America, but a few are from other nations in the world community. Their period of service spans from World War II through the Persian Gulf War. Some enlisted, some were drafted and some made the military their career. Some endured brutal combat, others served well in vital support roles. All dedicated themselves to one role: To preserve and defend freedom from tyranny wherever it arose. Be thankful that we are a free people, to be able to enjoy the beauty of this GREAT land that surrounds us all.

This Internet Website is also dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of free people everywhere. There were a few veterans who moved to Lexington to live the good life and unfortunately were taken from us too soon. A special memorial page honors them. Finally, we should remember that behind every veteran was a family who endured great worry awaiting their safe return home.

 

Support our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan 

Lexington Residents who have or have had relatives in either Iraq or Afghanistan

 

 

 

If you are a Lexington resident & have relative(s) in either war zone please inform Rich Hill at rleehill@comcast.net or Ron Ruff at ruff202@comcast.net so they can be listed on this web site

 

IRAQ VETERANS

Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Paul Austin, U.S. Army, son of Wedgewood resident Mariette Present

  Sgt. Thomas Ridge of the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army, grandson of Wedgewood residents Al & Sandy Stewart

 Army Capt. Tyler Lewison & his wife, Army Capt. Katrina Grier Lewison are both Blackhawk pilots and graduates of West Point, nephew & niece of Waterford residents Ernie & Rae Smith

  Army Staff Sgt. David Ott  is on assignment as a Warrior Medic in Al Ramadi, Iraq is the son of Southmont Cove resident Alvin Ott

2nd Lt. Megan Beling, USMC,  Intelligence Officer at Al Assad Airbase in Iraq is the grand daughter of former Southmont Cove residents Frank & Lois Burlingham

Captain James C. Brookover of the 1st Brigade [Striker Brigade Combat Team] 25th Infantry Division - 3rd tour is the son of Sutton Walk residents Jim and Wendy Brookover

CWO Gregg Seibert is an Apache Helicopter Pilot stationed with the 4th 3rd ACR operation and is the son-in-law of Sutton Walk residents Jim and Wendy Brookover

  Army Captain Chuck Broy, MD. He was stationed in Scania, Iraq as the OIC of the only allied-forces pediatric burn clinic in the country is the son of Sommerset Villas residents Larry & Susan Broy

   Marine Colonel John M. Jansen, served three deployments as an FA-18 Navy Carrier pilot in Iraq and is the son of Southmont Cove residents Joe & Colleen Jansen

AFGHANISTAN VETERANS

Major Morgan Polk,  USMC on special assignment to the Dept of Defense in Afghanistan is the son of former Sommerset Villas residents Ben and Millie Polk

  CWO Gregg Seibert is an Apache Helicopter Pilot stationed with the 4th 3rd ACR operation and is the son-in-law of Sutton Walk residents Jim and Wendy Brookover

 

OUR SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDS GO DIRECTLY TO BENEFIT ACTIVE SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT ARE DISABLED - WE ACCEPT DONATIONS THAT ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE - PLEASE WRITE CHECK PAYABLE TO THE LEXINGTON VETERANS ASSOCIATION & DROP OFF AT MAIN CLUBHOUSE FRONT DESK -  WE THANK YOU!


To look at our Military Short Story Page

CLICK HERE

3 NEW ONES AS OF MARCH 10, 2012

"WOMEN PILOTS"

"CALLING IN NAVY FIRE AT HUNGNAM"

"CROSSES GLEAM AS GENERAL SPEAKS OF MARINES HE LOST"

 

 

 

 

UP COMING EVENTS  -  Winter & Spring 2013

The Lexington Veterans Association is planning several interesting events January to May 2013.  Here is the calendar.

 

SEASON'S EVENT DATES *

01-07-2013 - Veterans Luncheon Meeting at 11:30 am in Vista Room - Speaker Kim Gaide, Military Support Coordinator with the Lee Memorial Health System.  Since 2003, Mrs. Gaide's Military Support organization has sent 43,000 pounds of care packages to our troops serving abroad, and has provided care and assistance to over 1,900 local troops and their families.

01-26-2013 - All Lexington Veterans Ball at 6:00 pm in Vista Room - Double Dare performing and special vocals from Doug Renfroe

 02-16-2013 - Grand Edison Parade at 7:00 pm in downtown Fort Myers

03-11-2013 - Veterans Luncheon Meeting at 11:30 am in Vista Room

03-29-2013 - Veterans Social Outing at 6:00 pm at Island Club

05-27-2013 - Memorial Day Event at 10:30 am at Main Clubhouse Entrance - luncheon following

 

 

                      * The rationale behind "All Residents Invited" is to give non-veteran residents an opportunity to better understand the  mission        of the LVA and to become updated on the achievements of military personnel  that help keep our freedom intact
                                                                                                                                            

                                    

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

 

PLEASE CALL LAURIE MYERS FOR RESERVATIONS FOR LUNCH AND VETERANS BALL AT 437 - 1299

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                             

Army Veteran
Hy Tuchman
Kim Gaide

Retired Air Force Colonel
Milan Zimer

Army Veteran during WWII - Speaker for Pearl Harbor Day Military Support - Lee Memorial - Speaker for Pearl Harbor  Day Air Force Pilot in Vietnam - Speaker for Veterans Day
December 2012 December 2012 November 2012

 

 

 

IN MEMORIAL

We are saddened to announce the passing of Dave Fredericks, Army veteran of the Vietnam War,  on November 4, 2012; and of Melvin Huber, Army veteran of the Korean War, on November 17, 2012.

 

 

Craig Kleinknight has recently taken over as the leader of the Small American flag detail.  Over 275 small flags are displayed around the community on certain holidays by Eleanore Ahn, John Sackie, Phil Loparo,  Dale Kroft, Gene Banaszynski, Charles Wyrich, Pete Hackett, & Ron Ruff
The Veterans Association needs 2 or 3 members to assume Vice Commanders duties; we also need a member to replace our Honor Guard Captain who is stepping down after 11 years on the job; we also need a member to step up for the Commander's position as Bernie Gdula's 2 year stint is up in early 2013.
Please welcome Larry Hone, Navy Captain Retired and a Navy Pilot in Vietnam and served from 1967 to 1998, as a new member of the Lexington Veterans Association
 
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund has built a new facility in Bethesda, Maryland for treating Traumatic Brain Injuries and PTSD (Post Traumatic   Stress Disorder).  Based on their success on the superior facility they built in the mid 2000's for treating amputees we have started contributing  to this badly needed facility.
 
The LVA is pleased to announce that the Association will now expand its membership opportunities to include two new categories:  Associate Member & Auxiliary Member.  The following definitions apply:  Associate Member is designed to open membership to an Honorably Discharged Veteran who had previously resided in the Lexington Community and was a member of the LVA.  It is also open to any Honorably Discharged Veteran who currently resides in Lee County and has a desire to become involved with an organization committed to aiding and assisting in providing benefits and comforts to our Armed Services personnel.  It carries the same benefits as full membership and dues are $30 per year.
Auxiliary Member is designed for any non veteran resident of the Lexington Community who wishes to become involved with aiding and assisting the proud men and women of our Armed Forces.  These individuals will have access to all Association functions and be invited to participate in Association affairs.  Annual dues are $30.  Membership applications for both memberships are available at the front desk - main clubhouse.
 

VETERANS DISPLAY CASE

 
Display Case is located in the Entrance Way of the Main Clubhouse - older version 2010 - Top three rows of Veterans Display case 2010 - Top two rows of Veterans Display case  

2011 - New Version of Display Case.  LVA Commanders over the years - Rich Hill; Ernie Smith; Ken Taylor; Ron Ruff & Bernie Gdula 2011 - LVA Hall of Honor Recipients - Top row from L to R: Jack Wagner - Monica Benning - John "Giddyup" Bunch - Bottom row L to R: Wes Hart - Yong Chol Ahn 2011 - Top  row of Veterans Display Case

On right side is display of the Purple Heart and Silver Star Medal given to cousin of Donna Solberg plus the story of the Hell Ships that her cousin died on as a POW Display of all four shelves Top of new Display Case including photo of the Chosin Few in Korea
     

 

 

VETERANS SIGN UP AND DUES FOR 2013

Your annual dues of $ 30 payable to the Lexington Veterans Association will be electronically applied to your Lexington statement in the November billing. The new year runs from Nov 11, 2012 to Nov 11, 2013. If you are a veteran new to the club, ask for the sign up forms/web site forms so we know about you.  Forms available at the main clubhouse front desk.

MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO ALL ARMED FORCES VETERANS REGARDLESS OF ERA OF SERVICE.  THIS INCLUDES RESERVISTS, NATIONAL GUARD, COAST GUARD, MERCHANT MARINE AND OTHER ALLIED FORCES.

1.  Our hearts and prayers go to the families who lost loved ones  in the horrific attack on America and it is our resolve that America will be strong and swift in a massive retaliation against both the terrorists and their state sponsors. We fully support our troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.

2.  A formal structure was established at the Oct 2001 Meeting.  Officers were elected for a two-year term. Rich Hill was elected the Association's first Commander. In Nov 2003 Ernie Smith was elected Commander; Treasurer Paul Tenenbaum; Vice Commander - Finance Wes Hart; Vice Commander - Membership Bob Kelley; Vice Commander - Planning & Programs Phil Loparo; Vice Commander - Public Affairs Ben Polk and Rich Hill, Past Commander & Honor Guard Captain. In Nov 2006 Ken Taylor was elected Commander; Vice Commanders are Paul Tenenbaum; Phil Loparo; Howard Miller; Bernie Gdula; Ron Ruff, Ben Polk & Rich Hill, Honor Guard Captain.  In Nov 2008 Ron Ruff was elected Commander: Vice Commanders are Paul Tenenbaum; Phil Loparo; Howard Miller; Bernie Gdula; George Semenek & Rich Hill. Fiscal year established as Nov 11, 2001 (Veterans Day) to Nov 10, 2002 and each year thereafter. 

 

 

About our Web Site -

There are fourteen pages to look at:

  • Home Page - A brief video that commemorates each new Memorial Day and lists all of the deceased veterans of Lexington
  • Introduction - An Introduction page including "What's New" and current events plus an add on entitled "Military Short Stories"
  • Our Mission & Purpose - Spells out our reason for being & what we do plus our Special Projects that we fund 
  • Veterans History Project - Lists those Lexington veterans who have submitted interviews to Washington 
  • The Walk of Honor - Lists those Lexington veterans & family members who have subscribed to the Walk of Honor
  • Lexington Honor Guard - Photos and other information on the Lexington Color/Honor Guard activities
  • The Events Page - Short chronology of each war from WWII to the current Iraqi and Afghanistan Wars  
  • Memorial Page - Honors Lexington Veterans who are deceased
  • Lexington Veterans Page - Lists each Veteran and his or her service record
  • Military Links Page - Links over 60 separate Military web sites - one click & you are there
  • POW-MIA Page - Tells about the Repatriation efforts to find Missing In Action and bring their remains back home
  • Flag Page - Tells the story behind the Lexington Veterans efforts to fly the American Flag and establish a Memorial to all Veterans
  • Lex Events Page - Chronicles the major events sponsored by the Veterans Association such as Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Day and Memorial Day & includes a link to the Lexington Veterans Luncheons.  Each year is listed & linked with photos of all the events for that year.
  • Freedom Page - Showcases the "Freedom Is Not Free" essay winners from Edison State College.

 

Small American flags are displayed around the community on the following holidays:
  • President's Day - 3rd Monday in February
  • Armed  Forces Day - 3rd Saturday in May
  • Memorial Day - last Monday in May (large flags at half staff until noon)
  • Flag Day - June 14
  • Independence Day - July 4
  • Korean War Armistice - July 27 (large flags at half staff all day)
  • Patriots Day - September 11 (large flags at half staff all day)
  • POW/MIA Recognition Day - 3rd Friday in September
  • Veterans Day - November 11
  • Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - December 7 (large flags at half staff all day)

Flag volunteers are: Richard Cullins, John Sackie, Phil Loparo,  Dale Kroft, Gene Banaszynski, Charles Wyrich, Pete Hackett, & Ron Ruff.   Craig Kleinknight is the leader of this group.

July 7, 2005

Please send corrections/additions on this site to:

Richard L. Hill or Ron Ruff

rleehill@comcast.net

ruff202@comcast.net

 

If you are a Lexington Veteran and are not listed on this site and wish to do so - send me via email  rleehill@comcast.net or ruff202@comcast.net           

the following information:

  • Branch of Service

  • Years of Service

  • Final Rank

  • Warfare Specialization

  • Significant Medals

  • Location of service or duty stations

  • Significant Experiences

If you sent the information in a previous format on this site,  please resubmit via the email address above

You can also fill out the required information on paper form found at the Main Clubhouse or the Island Club Activities Center - deliver back to the Main Clubhouse Administration Center

 

Waving Flags by Daeron Meyer at www.daeron.com

Find it @ VetsSearch

http:vets.com

Music: US Navy Band - "To The Colors"