- April 23, 2024
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Pat Bjorkland and Bonnie Clore play a light-hearted game of blackjack at the Remembering Vets Casino Night on Saturday, Feb. 23 . Photo by Kaitlin Sargent.
Roger and Marlene Langdon can't contain their laughter with their standing blackjack at the Remembering Vets Casino Night on Saturday, Feb. 23 . Photo by Kaitlin Sargent.
Willeene Langdon collects her winnings from the raffle at the Remembering Vets Casino Night on Saturday, Feb. 23 . Photo by Kaitlin Sargent.
Brian Walker, Cheryl Doubledee, Kerry Sprague and Dawn Walker got rowdy at the Texas Hold 'em at the Remembering Vets Casino Night on Saturday, Feb. 23 . Photo by Kaitlin Sargent.
Joe Rose collects his winnings from the roulette dealer at the Remembering Vets Casino Night on Saturday, Feb. 23 . Photo by Kaitlin Sargent.
Joe DiBlasi enjoys rounds of craps with dealer Tammy at the Remembering Vets Casino Night on Saturday, Feb. 23 . Photo by Kaitlin Sargent.
Guests sign in and collect chips at the entrance at the Remembering Vets Casino Night on Saturday, Feb. 23 . Photo by Kaitlin Sargent.
Gambling can improve lives.
Remembering Vets, a nonprofit support organization for veterans and military families, hosted a casino night fundraiser at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3282 in Port Orange on Saturday Feb. 23. Proceeds benefit the area veterans and families, as well as an Invisible Wounds Memorial, dedicated to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, to be installed at the Tom Staed Veterans Memorial Bridge in Daytona, Beach.
Cathy Heighter co-founded Remembering Vets in 2016, inspired after losing her soon in 2003 during his service in Iraq.
“Honestly, I had no idea what my son’s service and sacrifice meant until I got that knock on the door,” Heighter said.
The program provides veterans aid with daily needs such as food, bill assistance, clothing, transportation expenses and housing expenses for them and their families. They also assist homeless veterans through the Star Center in Daytona Beach. Though Remembering Vets is based out of Palm Coast, the organization has focused their assistance in Volusia County since 2016, and because the next Invisible Wounds Memorial will be placed in Volusia.
Remembering Vets invited Paws of War, a no-cost service dog provider for veterans, to raise awareness about this possible companionship. Service dogs for veterans can provide crucial medical awareness to owners, PTSD relief and emotional therapy.
This event was one of many the VFW Post 3282 rents their space out for. Events allow the VFW to reach veterans that are unaware of benefits they qualify for. The VFW is active in the community, from hosting Patriot's Pen, a patriotic student essay contest, to homeless assistance to veterans in police departments.
The Post appreciates donations of items such as clothes and hygiene products. VFW Post 3282 is currently preparing for the upcoming Buddy Poppy drive, a red flower hand-out, where donations are accepted but the drive is primarily meant to promote veteran awareness. Veterans interested in benefit eligibility may visit VFW Post 3282, 5810 S. Williamson Blvd., or call 761-7217.
