More than 300 veterans, family members, and Kiwanis members gathered on November 10th for the Bradenton Kiwanis Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, an annual event recognizing the service, sacrifice, and contributions of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The luncheon featured a keynote address by retired U.S. Army Major General Eric T. Olson, who delivered a message about the lasting significance of military service. Olson acknowledged that veterans sometimes question whether their sacrifices, experiences, and accomplishments truly made a difference. He reassured those in attendance that their service mattered and that their contributions have had a meaningful impact on the nation and the lives of others.
Olson served more than 33 years in the U.S. Army, beginning his career in the infantry before advancing to a general officer. His distinguished military career included command positions from platoon through division level, service as the 68th Commandant of Cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and combat leadership during Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Desert Strike, Joint Guardian, and Enduring Freedom.
Following his military career, Olson served in leadership positions supporting reconstruction efforts in Iraq. From 2006 to 2007, he was deputy director of the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office in Baghdad, helping oversee reconstruction initiatives involving more than $20 billion in funding. He subsequently served as chief of staff for the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction.
The luncheon program opened with remarks from Bradenton Kiwanis President Kent Jimison, followed by an invocation delivered by Frank Bruner, chaplain of Kirby Stewart Post 24.
Garrison Masengale, a Manatee County EMS paramedic and U.S. Army veteran, performed the national anthem. After the Pledge of Allegiance, there was a special POW/MIA remembrance led by U.S. Air Force veteran Charlie Hackney, honoring military personnel who remain prisoners of war or missing in action.
Former Bradenton Kiwanis President Mike Bear performed Taps, providing a solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
The ceremony also recognized Purple Heart recipients, with U.S. Marine Corps veteran Lee Washington of the Bradenton Kiwanis Veterans Committee leading the acknowledgment. Additional recognition was extended to veterans attending the luncheon, celebrating individuals representing different military branches and generations of service.
An Armed Forces medley performed by METV added a musical tribute to the program, while attendees joined in singing God Bless America.
The luncheon also included special recognition of the Manatee County Veterans Council; $2,500 was presented by Jimison to Jim Klocke, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and chairman of the council. Another $5,000 was granted to the Southwest Florida Honor Flight by Bradenton Kiwanis.
Throughout the event, the focus remained on honoring veterans not only for their military accomplishments but also for the sacrifices made by their families and the contributions veterans continue to make in their communities.
Olson’s keynote message served as a central theme of the gathering, reminding veterans that even when the full impact of their service is difficult to measure, their dedication and sacrifices have made a difference.
Held one day before Veterans Day, the Bradenton Kiwanis luncheon brought together the community in appreciation of those who have worn the nation’s uniforms, reinforcing the importance of remembering their service and recognizing its lasting legacy.
Photo credit to Mac Aldrich and Misty Ritch
There was a full house for the Veterans Appreciation Luncheon.
The US Marine Corps Bunker provided the Color Guard.
Garrison Masengale, US Army Veteran, Paramedic, and Manatee County EMS sang the National Anthem. Pictured here with Lee Washington, US Marine Corps Veteran and Manatee County Veterans Project Manager.
Charlie Hackney, US Air Force Veteran, shares the significance of the POW/MIA table.
Mike Bear, Past President of Bradenton Kiwanis, performed Taps.
Keynote Speaker: Major General Eric T. Olson, US Army (Ret)
Manatee County Veterans Council received a grant from Bradenton Kiwanis.
Southwest Florida Honor Flight received a grant from Bradenton Kiwanis.