Operation Kindness honors veterans

When U.S. Marine veteran Bill Sterbinsky stood at Ken Thompson Parkway and stared out at the Ringling Bridge, he realized why he had joined the armed forces.

It was so he could come back home and look at this exact view.

Sterbinsky, a co-founder of SRQ Vets, was one of many veterans present at the Operation Kindness Florida, Inc fundraiser on April 6. The event called for the Harbourside Ballroom to be given an All-American makeover from red, white and blue balloons adorning the raffle tables to vibrant centerpieces on the center of each table.

The fundraiser aids the non-profit organization in raising funds for wounded veterans. Last year, the organization raised more than $73,000 for veterans that sustained emotional and physical injuries. The funds allow Operation Kindness to support K-9’s for Warriors, Building Homes for Heroes, Paws for Patriots at Southeastern Guide Dogs and SRQ Vets.

Edward Cacciola, Co-Founder of SRQ Vets, said their mission is on par with Operation Kindness’ mission of working together to help veterans. Air Force veteran Morgan Watt, who attended the event with his wife and service dog, Foley, said it was nice to see so much community support.

“It just means so much,” he said. “I don’t know how to put it into words.”