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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | SEPTEMBER 2024 | 53 After a highly successful July Fourth celebration, we are busy preparing for the fall season. Our organization has grown to more than 150 members since its inception a year ago, with members from all branches of the service. We are pleased to announce we will take the lead in holiday festivities and have scheduled a "First to Celebrate" event, on Sun., Nov. 10 from 12 to 3 pm in the North Clubhouse. John Russo, a fellow USMC Veteran and owner of Russo's Italian Restaurant in Banning, will be catering our luncheon with a wonderful buffet. We are also proud to be honoring the 249th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Marine Corps on November 10th, 1775 at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patriotic Music will be included and there are a limited number of tickets remaining, so call immediately for reservations. Special cakes are being planned by a very special Army Vet, Bob the Baker, here in Sun Lakes and a champagne toast for all will occur during our event. This party will precede the regular Veterans Day event sponsored by the Recreation Department on Mon., Nov. 11. For details on that program, please contact Linda in Recreation. Our Club liaison for that event is Bob Schive, our Founder Emeritus. We thank Bob for all his efforts and contributions in establishing the Veterans of Sun Lakes CC and appreciate his on-going advice and support as we work diligently to reach our goal of 200 members in 2024. As our team has grown in the past year, so have we been blessed with several renewing and new Board of Director members, which now include Will Baker, USMC as Executive Director, Bob Schive, USN as Founder Emeritus, Ron Kington, USA, as Senior Advisor, Doug Emery, USAF, as Information Manager, Beverly Reneau, VA Benefits Analyst and Quilts of Valor Program Coordinator and our new Treasurer, Cliff Rogers, USMC. We are honored to be propelled forward by various branch representatives who maintain primary and direct contact with the members under their branch. They include Ken Lugo, USA, Tim Hanratty, Bruce MacDonald and Don Stairs, USMC, as well as Ed Luna, USAF, Roger Clark, USN and Bob Hoyt, USCG. Our Committee Chairs include Tony Peters, USN as the Mentorship Chair, Bruce MacDonald, USMC as Military Liaison Chair. Gloria Pena, USMC, serves as our "Also Served" Committee Chair as we continue to grow and expand both the quality and quantity of the "best of the best" here in Sun Lakes. All Sun Lakers are welcome to join our organization, you need not have served yourself, as most of us have family members who have done so. For information and updates, call Will Baker at (951) 946- 0412. Hope to see you all at our Tues., Sept. 10 meeting in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom. We will be holding a special 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and a guest speaker will be there. Please note to the extent possible we are non-political in nature. There are no dues at this time and ALL Sun Lakers with a good attitude who are supportive of our mission and our military are invited to attend. God Bless the USA. Any questions, please call Will Baker, USMC, Executive Director, Veterans of Sun Lakes CC, at (951) 946-0412. Veterans Group

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