VETERANS DAY AND TREAT THE TROOPS BY NIKKI HOFFMAN
On Veterans Day, Harbor Hills residents come together to honor the brave men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our country, both at home and abroad. The community gathers at Memorial Park, overlooking the scenic 16th green, at 11 a.m. for a heartfelt tribute led by friend and neighbor John E. Bircher III, COL, USA (Ret.).
Our memorial features engraved bricks bearing the names and service emblems of members of all military branches. Proceeds from brick sales help maintain and enhance the park. To purchase an engraved brick, please contact Shirle Mabie at shirlemabie@gmail.com.
American soldiers are currently stationed in 175 countries across every continent, with more than 170,000 active-duty personnel serving outside the United States.
One way we show appreciation is through Treat The Troops, a national nonprofit that sends boxes of homemade cookies and personal notes to deployed service members. There are no administrative costs.
Last year, with additional help from The Villages and surrounding communities, we sent 17,565 cookies to troops around the world. This year, shipments will reach service members in Kuwait, Iraq, Slovakia, Hungary, India, Jordan, Romania, Germany, Bahrain, Syria, Poland, Egypt, Lithuania, South Korea, and other undisclosed locations.
To send cookies to a soldier, contact Roseann Cochran at 505-385-9283 or rcochran479@gmail.com to request a submission form. Each box costs $28.70 to mail with the military discount. Drop-off dates are Sunday, November 16, and Monday, November 17. Monetary donations are welcome.
Learn more at treatthetroops.com.