- February 7, 2025
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It was a special day as local veterans, each with their own story, gathered together during the Champions of Freedom Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
The luncheon, held at the Spruce Creek Country Club, is an outreach event to honor veterans and share their stories. Some veterans brought in memorabilia for an exhibit to show what they had done while serving in the military.
Last year, more than 80 local veterans were in attendance at the luncheon.
Some veterans, like Bruce Hall, had been prisoners of war. Hall was a World War II veteran. Others, like Rich Malfitano, continue to be active in veteran and active duty communities. Malfitano is the president of the Rolling Thunder, Chapter 8, organization, which was set up as a way to raise awareness about POWs and those missing in action.
"It's important for us not to forget our history," Lieutenant Colonel Aviation Garrett Messner, U.S. Army, said. "It's important for us to understand where we were because we know where we're going and these men are all part of that history."
