The Churchmen had enjoyable luncheons on May 18 and June 15 at Marsh Landing County Club. More than 50 members joined together for food and fellowship each time.
The speaker for the May luncheon was St. Johns County Commissioner Krista Joseph. She talked about her steep learning curve as a newly elected official. She offered several insights into the workings of county government and how residents can get their voices heard.
The Churchmen then had an early observance of Memorial Day and recognized Joseph as a Gold Star Mom, honoring her son, Charles Keating IV, a Navy SEAL who was killed in Iraq during May 2016.
The speaker for the June luncheon was Brett Simon, a co-founder of K9’s for Warriors. He talked about his experiences in Iraq as a civilian dog handler working with the U.S. Army.
Having suffered IED attacks and concussions, he was diagnosed with PTSD. His mother, Shari Duval was concerned and wanted to help. She researched the benefits of service dogs and set up K9’s for Warriors. It started in a small house in Palm Valley and is now a national organization based in Nocatee.
Brett Simon now works with the Association of Service Dog Providers to Military Veterans.
This was the Churchmen’s last meeting before the summer break. They will resume their luncheons in September.
