Standing Tall for Veterans

Tee Up for Our Troops 2009

When 22 year old Sgt. Joel Tavera was critically injured in Iraq, his parents, Marritza and Jose were told he would be a vegetable. With the care he has received from the staff at James A Haley VA Hospital and having the support of his mom and dad, staying at The Fisher House, and his own determination, he has proven them wrong. He is blind and has more obstacles to overcome, but he recently was able to walk 400 feet by himself, and has a sharp mind and sense of humor. As a matter of fact, when I gave him a cd, I was informed that he too was making a cd. Maybe we can work on one together!Determination is apparently a family trait for the Taveras. Marritza recently became a US citizen and her husband is in the US Navy!

San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival

November 3, 2009

Dear Ashley,

We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of our Fisher House fundraiser.  Because of your participation, we were able to raise $25,000 that will go to support The Fisher House at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital Tampa and, as a result, help veteran and actice duty military families in their time of need...because a family's love is good medicine.

Thanks for sharing your talent with all present at the event and setting the patriotic  tone with your beautiful rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner". Your support of our  veterans and our military men and women has always been exemplary, Ashley, and we were blessed to have you be a part of "A Night For Heroes".

..a special thanks to you and your mom for giving of yourselves in such a loving way.


Sincerely,

Steve Graves and Anne Corona

Presidents of
The Republican Club of Central Pasco
The West Pasco Republican Club