Memorial Day hike crosses Ringling Bridge in honor of the fallen

By Ian Swaby
| 7:00 a.m. May 25, 2025

Tommy Madi of Slim Chickens, which provided food at the event, and his friend Maria Guardado, walk over the Ringling Bridge.

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Before 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.

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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.

Air 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.

Zeke Perez, 7, participates in the ceremony.

Linda Stutzman and Nadia Partsch start out on the hike.

Emily Huetten carries her son Tyler Huetten, 4.

Hikers head towards the Ringling Bridge.

Kelly Westover and her children Zach Westover, 19, and Nathan Westover, 15, walk the family's dogs Blue and Marlin.

Jean Stegmeier, her son Carson Stegmeier, 7, and husband Rick Stegmeier walk up the Ringling Bridge.

Joshua Ott and Charlie Reeder walk over the Ringling Bridge.

Walkers head back across the Ringling Bridge, with Leo Sterbinsky, 9, in front.

Hikers gather in front of the "Unconditional Surrender" statue.

Todd Hughes, Ghost, and Rob Kehs of SRQ Vets make an announcement.

Military veteran David Mattis, a car recipient, talks with Kimber Fonville, 3, and her brother Kane Fonville, 4.

Rob Kehs announces the donation of the vehicles, as veteran David Mattis cheers for his new car, standing next to Preston Kehs.

Navy and Marine Corps veteran Gerry Jones applauds as he receives his car.

Navy veteran David Mattis stands with his new car.

Rob Kehs of SRQ Vets cools off after the hike.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.