Leon County, American Legion Honor Veterans During 11th Annual Operation Thank You Community Breakfast

Last week, Leon County Government and American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 hosted the annual Operation Thank You community breakfast to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans of the United States Armed Forces. In gratitude, Leon County Commissioners, County staff, American Legion members, and community volunteers served breakfast to the more than 450 veterans and their families in attendance.

"Leon County is proud to honor and support our nation’s veterans every day of the year," said Leon County Commission Chair Carolyn Cummings. "For 11 years, Leon County’s Operation Thank You program has recognized the unrelenting bravery and dedication of the 17,000 veterans who call Leon County home."

During the event, the County presented two Veterans Day proclamations honoring Commander Dennis O. Baker, U.S. Navy veteran who completed 28 years of service, and CWO5 Henry Lowery Jr., U.S. Marine Corps veteran who completed 33 years of service with numerous deployments.

"For more than a decade, the Operation Thank You program has been an opportunity for County staff and the community to express gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans and their families," said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "Today and throughout the year, we honor the brave men and women who dedicated their lives in service to our country."

Since 2012, Leon County has held Operation Thank You events annually, giving the community an opportunity to thank the brave men and women who have served or continue to serve their country in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Operation Thank You breakfast is one of the community’s largest events to show appreciation for the more than 17,000 veterans who call Leon County home.

"The members of the American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 are proud to carry on this great tradition in partnership with Leon County Government," said Post 13 Commander Barry Walker. "To all our veterans, on Veterans Day and every day, we thank you for your service."

Leon County remains committed to supporting local veterans all year long with services and programs offered by the Leon County Division of Veteran Services. The Division assists veterans and their dependents in securing all entitled benefits earned through their honorable military service and advocates for veterans’ interests in the community. 

For more information, contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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