- November 24, 2024
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Hundreds of participants, including West Orange High's JAFROTC students, took part in the 2.2-mile walk, which began and ended at Veterans Memorial Park
Three Winter Garden firefighters walked the 2.2 miles in full gear.
Many veterans showed up for the American Legion RuckWalk.
Zona accompanied her owner, Kurt Gies, American Legion commander, during the walk and the festivities.
Birthday greetings awaited World War II veterans Gilbert Waganheim and Melvin Jenner near the stage where the Josh Gilbert Band played.
The Josh Gilbert Band wowed the crowd.
Cynthia Lait watched over the silent auction tables as folks bid on the variety of items.
A special memorial was set up for the 13 service members who died in the recent bombing in Afghanistan.
Guests took a moment at the two veteran walls: the Patriot Guard Riders’ Vietnam and the Global War on Terrorism.
Guests took a moment at the two veteran walls: the Patriot Guard Riders’ Vietnam and the Global War on Terrorism.
Andres Acevedo, a veteran who served in Iraq, spent some time at the veteran walls. Two brothers served in Vietnam, and the family was blessed to see their return.
About 500 people took the challenge to walk the 2.2 miles Saturday, Nov. 13, and, more importantly, to help raise money for an important American Legion cause.
Winter Garden Post 63 held its annual Challenge 22 RuckWalk at Veterans Memorial Park with hundreds of participants rallying for the goal of ending veteran suicide.
The event was open to the community and offered live music, a patriotic ceremony, 2.2-mile walk around Winter Garden, car show, barbecue lunch, activities and two veteran walls.
Two local World War II veterans, 99-year-old Mel Jenner and 100-year-old Gilbert Waganheim, were recognized for their birthdays.
