Patriotic Floridians rallied recently to support the funeral of an Army veteran who died, seemingly, with no relatives.  Hundreds of supporters responded to Ed Pearson's

obituary in the newspaper that claimed he would be buried at the Sarasota National Cemetery shortly.  Due the lack of living family members, the public was invited to attend as a gesture of support.  It was later discovered that he had two living relatives, but arrangements were already set in motion at that point.  As a result, hundreds of thoughtful, patriotic citizens of Florida arrived to say "Goodbye and fare-thee-well" to a Soldier they never knew.  It was a moving ceremony that proved how much Americans appreciate their Servicemen.  Board member Capt Jim Albert attended in uniform to mourn the passing of this Viet Nam era Soldier.  He emphasized that it is important no veteran is laid to rest unnoticed and without the proper honors.  Capt Albert is very active in several Naples veteran groups and serves as Second Vice President of the Collier County Veterans Council.  

https://www.winknews.com/2019/10/07/deceased-naples-veteran-thought-to-have-no-living-relatives-has-two-sons/

We are looking for Honor Guard Volunteers!

We are looking for Volunteers from each service to form an Honor Guard.

If interested, you must have a Dress Uniform and Regular service uniform.

Please contact us by email at CCVCVets@gmail.com.

Which organizations can furnish a Honor Guard for formal ceremonies?

Marine Corps League

Collier County Sheriff's Office

Naples Police Department

Which organizations can furnish a Rifle Salute?

Marine Corps League

This year's Veterans Day at Cambier Park was the largest one in recent memory.  Several groups participated in this year's ceremony.  We would like to thank the JROTC, Veterans Council Board Members, veterans groups who marched their flags onto the stage, high school band, the Museum of Military history, the bagpiper, and our bugler.

Several members of the Veterans Council attended a Veterans Day ceremony at Gulfview Middle School.  Students were paired with each veteran to discuss several aspects of our service.  They asked us probing questions to compose an essay about each man they met.  There was a pilot, POW, Chief Petty Officer, an Administrator, and a grunt among the group.  Following the interview, we enjoyed the music of the school band, the essays of several students, and thoughtful remarks from the school Principal, Kevin Huelsman.  Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch outside the cafeteria.

Naples performing arts center, Artis-Naples, invited the CCVC to perform a formal flag retirement ceremony in order to show the proper respect to their tattered national banner.  The retirement was led by Frank Kerr and assisted by Che and Ted Moore.

One of the grand traditions of the Serviceman is to walk in the Fourth of July parade.  It is a proud patriotic gesture to don one's uniform once more and go forth into the world.  This year, Chief Petty Officer Carl, Cpl Moore, SSgt Freddie Vazquez, and several other veterans all proudly rode inside the parade.  Cpl Moore rode through 2016's parade in a WW2 Army Jeep.  It was graciously provided by Tom Arnold, a local Jeep enthusiast.   

CCVC President, Chief Carl, was immortalized in a bronze bust in 2010 by sculptor Michael Jernigan. Someone has literally put him on a pedestal.  Our handsome Chief was, no doubt, selected for this honor due to his long and successful career in the Coast Guard and several tours in Iraqi theater of war. His sculpture is part of collection made by Michael Jernigan and is touring the Country.  The collection includes 21 Servicemen and one service dog, "Rex". It will finally make its way to Naples' Von Liebig Arts Center in November of 2019!