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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | OCTOBER 2024 | 53 We celebrated our one year anniversary as a club, having grown from a small group of eight to nearly 160 members including nearly 50 members who served in and during times of combat. Our organization consists of members from every branch of the service, with the Army consisting of over 40 percent, the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force making up roughly equal parts, and one Coast Guardsman. We continue to add members, many of whom had family members serve in uniform, as well as friends and neighbors who have joined us in support of our mission and the military. On Sept. 10, we held a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony with prayers and a moment of silence for those who were killed and injured on that fateful day, as well as their families and our country as a whole. A Chaplain from the VA served as guest speaker and led us in prayer. We also remembered the firefighters, police, military, and first responders, many of whom suffered through those horrific events. We plan to hold this event every year, so it is "never forgotten." On Oct. 8 at 9 am in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom, our guest speaker will be a health insurance and medicare professional who will give us information on recent updates including rules and regulations pertaining to VA services. We look forward to learning of current benefits that may help members in this very important subject. On Sun., Nov. 10, we will hold our "First to Celebrate" holiday season celebration combined with the 249th Anniversary of the Founding of the Marine Corps on Nov. 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our fellow Veteran, John Russo, USMC and owner of Johnny Russo's Italian Restaurant in Banning, will be catering the buffet and providing us with delicious faire. This luncheon will begin at 12 pm in the South Clubhouse, as it appears we will have in excess of 100 attendees. It was originally set for the North Clubhouse; however limits on attendees caused a change in location. This will conclude our 2024 activities and other than recruiting new members; we will be meeting again in January, 2025. We thank all who participated in our growth and activities this past year and special thanks to Hernan Rojas, an eight-year Army Vet, also of the Media Department here at Sun Lakes, as well as all the hardworking staff who helped us in scheduling and arranging our meetings. Any questions or to join our Club, applications are available on Sun Lakes website. You can also call Will Baker at (951) 946-0412. Veterans Group

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