TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Officers toast leaders at military ball

ADVERTISEMENT

By LAURA CONE

THE SUN

Published: June 3, 2009

At the heart of every patriotic soul is a love for community.

Members of The Military Order of the World Wars Sun City Chapter toasted military servicemen and women and honored John Bowker and Hillsborough County Sherriff Deputy Malachi McCoy during their May 21 Military Ball.

"It's remarkable," said Bowker, who attended while taking a break from writing his second book about the history of Sun City Center. Bowker received the Patrick Henry Award, which he said was one of the greatest honors of his life.

"Patriotism is exemplified by love of community and that's what I do," said Bowker, during the dinner and award ceremony at Freedom Plaza. "I love the people of Sun City Center. I love the history."

Retired Lt. Col. Harry Lascola said more than 100 people attended the Military Ball including Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee. The charity event helps fund an annual trip by local high school juniors to a Youth Leadership Conference in Tallahassee.

"John Bowker is a fantastic historian of Sun City Center," Lascola said. "He is one of those guys who does everything."

Retired Lt. Col. Gordon Bassett bestowed the Law and Order award on McCoy, who was honored for demonstrating a brave heart by protecting a fellow deputy during a struggle with a suspect.

Bassett said the military group, whose focus is to further patriotic education, hopes to make the ball an annual event.

During the event, retired Chief Warrant Officer Richard Wallace led a POW/MIA ceremony in remembrance of the thousands of unaccounted military personnel. He set up a small table with a single rose and red ribbon in honor of the men and women.

He said the salt on the table symbolized American tears while the slice of lemon represented the bitter faith of those who were either missing in action or prisoners of war.

"We call them brothers. They are unable to be with us this evening," said Wallace, who lit a candle for the lost.

Editor Laura Cone may be reached at lcone@mediageneral.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT