There is nothing like a good old-fashioned picnic to bring people together, and that’s exactly what happened Saturday afternoon at the second annual Veterans and Family Picnic at Gifford Park, hosted by the Veterans Council of Indian River County, American Legion Post 181 and the Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County.
“We wanted to bring it into the center of the community and have the whole community come together; have veterans bring their families and enjoy the camaraderie we all miss from the military,” said Curtis Paulsin, Veterans Council first vice president. “We took some proceeds from the golf tournament in June and then Post 181 and the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Council of Indian River County all worked on it together.”
Sylvester McIntosh, a Vietnam War Marine veteran who was awarded a Silver Star for his actions, said 500 people attended last year, so this year they had prepared for 900.
“I’m the post adjutant, but today I’m in charge of taking care of the BBQ chicken,” said Al Davis, who arrived at the park at 5 a.m. to begin firing up the smokers and grills. “We’re just here having a good time today.”
Davis and Paulsin spoke about a recent $12,000 grant that Grand Harbor Community Outreach presented to the Veterans Council and Post 181 to freshen up the homes of Gifford veterans. The grant also provided stipend pay to unemployed veterans who worked on the beautification project. Post Commander Leon Barnwell said that Gifford’s Post 181 currently has roughly 100 members, veterans from all branches of the service.
“The theme is veterans helping veterans,” Paulsin explained. “It’s for veterans who live in the Gifford area, own their own homes and live at the poverty level.”
“We’re doing some painting, landscaping, a little bit of minor repairs; light work,” added Davis. “Right now we have completed four homes; we’re working on a fifth home next week.”
“Indian River County I think is one of the best for veterans because of all the different services,” said Jerry Pisano, manning the Korean War Veterans booth speaking of the roughly 28 agencies that deal directly with veterans.
The Veterans Council of Indian River County supports veterans and their families by providing emergency financial assistance, transition assistance, resource connection, and transportation services to the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach and local appointments.
Throughout the afternoon, as the mouthwatering aroma of grilled chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers wafted about, families clustered in groups or sat at long picnic tables in the pavilion to enjoy the free repast. Little ones worked off some energy bouncing and sliding on the inflatables, and every hour several lucky winners received donated door prizes from local businesses.
