ARTICLE ARCHIVE

FOR THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL ... PHOTOS

(Nov 2008) The Gator Detachment, Marine Corps League, hosted the 2008 Birthday Ball at the Clarion Hotel on November 8th.  There were about 130 guests in attendance, including a strong showing from the support group.  Many thanks to Jim Yakubsin for helping Scott DuPree tie up some loose ends.  There were many helping hands, including decorations done by Sandy, Leigh and others.  They also rescued the cake!  Leigh took photos and we have posted about 80 photos on the Gatordet.com site.  CLICK HERE TO GO TO THAT PAGE.

GOLF TOURNAMENT A SECOND ANNUAL SUCCESS

SUCCESS IN IRAQ:  A MEDIA BLACKOUT

May 20th Article in the New York Post, by Ralph Peters.  
Is our American media slow to recognize that we are WINNING in Iraq? 
 Read the article ...

MESSAGE FROM LINDA ABOUT JULY 4TH

(July 6, 2008)  Hello all - we had a great 4th of July at the City of Alachua Recreation Center.  Our booth looked fabulous!!  We were the most patriotic booth in the entire festival - made me proud.  We made $1030.00.  That will send 94 boxes over to our  men and women serving our country and protecting our freedom now.  I am always humbled by the number of veterans who donate to us at this event and they are so generous. Thank you to every person who made this 4th such a success.

Remember to mark July 17th on your calendars for our next meeting. We have about 124 names and the list keeps growing. Have a great week and see you on the 17th!   Linda

ART PINA COMPLETES RIDE OF 7,000 MILES IN SUPPORT OF MSGFAC

(May 31, 2008) At 2pm sharp, Art Pina rolled in on his Harley to end a journey of about 7,000 miles in support of the troops and this support group.  A couple of dozen people clapped as he arrived at the Gainesville Harley dealership.  He was glad to be back after 28 days on the road and spent a good deal of time greeting those he missed.  

He left on May 3rd, traveling acoss the southern part of the US, then on to the west coast.  He met up with others in Pomona Valley, California and then rode across the nation to Washington D.C. in an annual event visiting the Vietnam Memorial, "The Wall."  Art then finished his journey by returning to Florida.  He checked in with Harley Davidson shops as checkpoints.  He has received donations and pledges of support to benefit the mission of our support group.

He said it was a beautiful ride, despite an encounter with a hail storm that left his bike and helmet with damage.  "The best part of the tour, we stopped at VA Hospitals along the way.  I spoke to veterans injured in Iraq and the Persian Gulf area.  That was incredible."  He told the young men and women why he was making the ride and what our support group does.  They all thought it was awsome and wished that their communites had something like ours.  It made Art feel that much better that he is a part of something so worthy and meaningful.

We are all proud of Art Pina, himself a Vietnam Veteran.  His act of partiotism has touched the lives of those he visited and those who will benefit from the proceeds of his charitable journey.  He's red, white and blue.  He's all American.  Thank you, Art.  

STREIT'S MOTORSPORTS SPONSORS 5TH ANNUAL SUPPORT THE TROOPS DAY

Our friends at Streit's Motorsports in Gainesville are holding their 5th annual SUPPORT THE TROOPS DAY on Sunday, April 6th at the Recreation Park in the city of Alachua.  The day features a ride through Alachua County for bikers.   All proceeds go to the Military Support Group Of Alachua County.  We appreciate the tremendous continuing support provided by Streit's Motorsports.   To view a flyer for the event, CLICK HERE.