Thanks for Giving and the MacDill Air Fest

Click here for more information on Outback and their support of Operation Homefront.

Red White and Bloomin Luncheon -From the Perspective of an Intern

Written by Lauren

Operation Homefront-Florida Intern

First, let me begin with a warning; just because there are bottomless amounts of incredibly delicious food in front of you doesn’t mean you have to eat like there are bottomless amounts of incredibly delicious food in front of you.  I learned that the hard way Tuesday, March 11^th at the Outback Steakhouse/Operation Homefront luncheon.  I also had the privilege of meeting many amazing heroes of our country and their families. 

The speeches were brief and heartfelt from the owners of three Outback Steakhouse branches in the area and also our own Florida Director of Operations, Jeff Gareau, leaving plenty of room for the endless sampling of the new “Red, White and Bloomin’” menu items.  Now, when you go to your favorite Outback Steakhouse, you can order off of this patriotic menu and ten percent of the proceeds from your meal contribute to the one million dollar promise Outback Steakhouse has given to Operation Homefront.  I am so used to acknowledging the men and women of the armed forces as my heroes that it never occurred to me that I could be their hero, and all I have to do is go to Outback Steakhouse and order from their new Operation Homefront “Red, White and Bloomin’” menu; seems like a pretty delicious way to help.

            

           I also had the opportunity to be acknowledged as a part of this amazing organization that I just started interning for (Operation Homefront-Florida).  I have never been so proud of being part of an organization before.  The military men and women were so grateful for all that OHFL does for them.  For most of the luncheon I was either eating or following Jeff around with a camera, but whenever I did get a chance to stop and talk with someone, I knew I was a part of something important.  Click here for pictures of the event in Tampa and Jupiter, FL.

So, overall, I would call my first Operation Homefront event a huge success.  Not only did I get to eat way too much delicious food, but I also got to be an official part (for the first time) of a local organization who provides emergency assistance for our troops and their families right here in Florida.  I love that I get to be a part of such a noble cause. 

             

          I’d also like to include a BIG thank you to all of the men and women who honor this great country with their service.  I am so grateful for your bravery and sacrifice and I hope to be able to make at least a small difference in your lives.

 

Can a CANCELED deployment be a negative?

Written By Linda, Operation Homefront-Florida Volunteer

Military reservists often fall into a “catch-22” category when it comes to qualifying for much needed financial assistance. Consider a scenario which has played out recently for some in Florida: The reservists commit to full-time basic training prior to an anticipated deployment. At the conclusion of training, the unit is advised that deployment will occur in three months. The service member returns to his or her civilian job for this period and alerts the employer, or the service member may be in between jobs and there is insufficient time to obtain full-time employment, so the reservists - and often their families – do their best to stretch their resources while awaiting deployment. When the time for scheduled deployment arrives, the unit learns that their assignment has been canceled. To some, this sounds like a good thing, but it leaves the reservists short on cash, behind on bills and with no foreseeable way of recovering financially. In a sense, these reservists have slipped through the cracks, and they are considered ineligible for most emergency assistance resources that aid military personnel because they have not deployed. As an organization, Operation Homefront-Florida and its supporters must find a way to help these young reservists and their families with critical needs. If you or your organization can assist with monetary donations to provide food, rent/utility supplements or job training until affected reservists can obtain employment, please contact our office today,  mention case FL100013. 

Operation Bridal Gown

Operation Homefront-Florida Giving Away FREE Bridal Gowns to Military Brides-to-Be

“I am so grateful for the gown I received from Operation Homefront and Alfred Angelo. My wedding will be perfect,” says Dawn, a future bride-to-be. 

“Operation Homefront provided me with the gown of my dreams, allowing me to renew my vows with my husband of 25 years” says Carol, a military bride.  These brides and dozens more have been able to plan the wedding of their dreams, with a free bridal gown, courtesy of Alfred Angelo and Operation Homefront-Florida.

Alfred Angelo provided Operation Homefront-Florida with almost 200 gowns in August of 2008, of all styles and sizes, specifically for the military personnel of Florida.  Any woman who is in the military or marrying someone from the military can apply for wedding gown free of charge. “A wedding gown is such a vital part of the whole experience,” says Debbie Dragone, Program Manager of Operation Bridal Gown, “this gift helps the bride to concentrate on other aspects of the wedding. AND this is one less expense for the new couple to worry about.”

Operation Bridal Gown still has many gowns to give away thanks to the generosity of Alfred Angelo, the world’s leading manufacturer of bridal gowns and bridal party attire. Operation Homefront requires proof of military status and the rest of the process is simple. For more information about Operation Bridal Gown, go to Operation Homefront’s website, www.operationhomefront.net/florida.

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with Operation Homefront, Florida for such a wonderful cause. To know that Alfred Angelo is able to help make the wedding dreams of our committed men and women come true is a wonderful way to be able to give back for all that they sacrifice in serving our country,” says Amanda Sheronas, Director of  Public Relations for Alfred Angelo,