- June 15, 2025
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Preston Kehs, 18, is the son of Rob Kehs and founded P&E Auto Detailing with Evan Eckert, fixes up the car for veteran Gerry Jones.
Photo by Ian SwabyAir Force veteran Jason Westlake and his wife Colie Westlake pose with Riley Romano, 10, her mother Ashley Romano, brother Ryan Romano, 7, and father Michael Romano, an army veteran.
Photo by Ian SwabyZeke Perez, 7, participates in the ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabyLinda Stutzman and Nadia Partsch start out on the hike.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Emily Huetten carries her son Tyler Huetten, 4.
Photo by Ian SwabyHikers head towards the Ringling Bridge.
Photo by Ian SwabyKelly Westover and her children Zach Westover, 19, and Nathan Westover, 15, walk the family's dogs Blue and Marlin.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jean Stegmeier, her son Carson Stegmeier, 7, and husband Rick Stegmeier walk up the Ringling Bridge.
Photo by Ian SwabyJoshua Ott and Charlie Reeder walk over the Ringling Bridge.
Photo by Ian SwabyWalkers head back across the Ringling Bridge, with Leo Sterbinsky, 9, in front.
Photo by Ian SwabyTommy Madi and his friend Maria Guardado.
Photo by Ian SwabyHikers gather in front of the "Unconditional Surrender" statue.
Photo by Ian SwabyTodd Hughes, Ghost, and Rob Kehs of SRQ Vets make an announcement.
Photo by Ian SwabyMilitary veteran David Mattis, a car recipient, talks with Kimber Fonville, 3, and her brother Kane Fonville, 4.
Photo by Ian SwabyRob Kehs announces the donation of the vehicles, as veteran David Mattis cheers for his new car, standing next to Preston Kehs.
Photo by Ian SwabyMilitary veteran Gerry Jones applauds as he receives his car.
Photo by Ian SwabyMilitary veteran David Mattis stands with his new car.
Photo by Ian SwabyRob Kehs of SRQ Vets cools off after the hike.
Photo by Ian SwabyBefore Memorial Day on Monday, army veteran Rick Stegmeier enjoys gathering with his fellow veterans, who number high among the many attendees at the Memorial Day hike two days prior.
"The Saturday before, we all get together, we get some sweat equity, and it's just in remembrance and honor of the ones that can't be here with us to do it today," he said.
Held May 24, the 10th Annual Memorial Hike began at J.D. Hamel Park, heading over the Ringling Bridge and then back to the park for live music, a cookout featuring food by Slim Chickens, and inflatables.
After attendees returned, the event offered further honors by providing cars to Navy veteran David Mattis and Navy and Marine Corps veteran Gerry Jones.
Mattis lost one leg to vascular disease and had also struggled with drug use. He had spent eight months on the streets, in a wheelchair, before he attended the Department of Veterans Affairs' rehab program and gained housing with Veterans Village USA.
"I'd like to thank SRQ Vets for giving me a car, and for all the donors that made that possible, and for all the veterans that came out here to enjoy the celebration that we have, and I thank God for this car, and it will extremely help me," said Mattis.
