TAMPA, Fla. — On this Veterans Day in Tampa, veterans at one event spent the day continuing to serve others.
The Veteran International Coalition and the Special Operations Warrior Golf Foundation hosted a golf tournament and gala. All funds raised at the events will go toward supporting wounded warriors and families affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton, organizers said.
“Veterans having served continue to want to find their next mission and to continue to serve in other capacities,” E.J. Herold, chief operating officer of Veteran Coalition International, said.
Those in attendance included former United States Special Operations Commander Gen. Bryan Fenton, along with former commander Gen. Tony Thomas.
There was loyalty in company, as well, with attendance from Princess Marie of Denmark.
Herold, who served nearly 27 years in the U.S. Army as a field artillery officer, said the purpose of the coalition is not only to serve American veterans but those who fought alongside as international allies.
Amid their ongoing acts of service, it also became an opportunity for veterans to reflect.
Captain Clay Pendergrass said he hopes people don’t forget about the sacrifices veterans and their families have made.
“There are so many guys and girls out there, not just the physical ailments and injuries, but it's really hard on their families,” Pendergrass said.
That service made much tougher when families lose loved ones who died while serving the country.
Col. Steve Day knows the importance of his family. He’s grateful for his wife for being there by his side.
“It's not only the service member. It's the family behind the service member,” Day said.
While words can’t capture the sacrifices veterans make, Pendergrass said there’s gratitude and honor in their services because of their love for their country.
“There's not another country on the world that's like America, and for all of our, you know, issues and problems, we'll get through it because we're Americans,” Pendergrass said.