CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Police Department capped off National Police Week with a royal visit.

Crestview student Lindsay Huckabee, Teen Miss Choctawhatchee Northwest Florida, visited bearing a container of cookies and brownies.

Presenting the treats to Sgt. Josh Grace, Lindsay thanked him and his fellow officers for their service to the community, adding, “I baked these myself.”

Sgt. Grace thanked Lindsay, assuring her that he would share the baked goodies with other officers. But before the tray made it to the training room where treats are shared, it made a stop at the Dispatch Center.

“Dispatchers like cookies, too,” senior dispatcher Shawnee Rawles said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Teen Miss Choctawhatchee Northwest Florida bears treats for police

CRESTVIEW — Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Crestview Unit 57 will conduct a Memorial Day observance.

The ceremony is 10 a.m. May 29 at Live Oak Park Memorial Cemetery, 112 North Ave. E., Crestview.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Cold Robert J. Allen will be the guest speaker.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Disabled veterans group sets Memorial Day service

CRESTVIEW — Bookworms and Northwest Florida authors can mingle and exchange ideas this weekend.

A local author meet and greet is set Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive.

Guest authors Include:

• MC Brown, Destin, author of “Waiting for the Daffodils,” “Remember the Rose” and “We Were Brave”
• Devin Lee Carlson (represented by Laurie Allen), Crestview, author of “Amongst the Fallen”
• Jocelyn Donahoo, Crestview author of “The Cookie Cutter House”
• Tess Harris, Fort Walton Beach, author of “Asian Delights – The Tess Harris Cookbook” and “The Tess Harris Dessert Cookbook”

• Tom Hooten, Niceville, author of “Hollytime”
• Tammie Hunter, Crestview author of “The Imperfect” (coming summer 2017)
• Jeff Janes, Crestview, author of “I Said Not Now”
• Tami Kidd, Baker, author of “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie” and “Deadly Deception” (coming Summer 2017)
• Daniel McKnight, Mary Esther, author of “In the Jaws of the Dragon”
• Terry B. Miles Jr., Crestview, author of “Nautrame”
• Bob Newkirk, Niceville, author of “Beneath the Cemetery,” 1862
• J. Louise Powell, Pensacola, author of “Romp through the Swamp” and “One Cuppa Brew: Book 1 in the Thyme For Tea Series (Volume 1)”
• Lauren Scharhag, Crestview, author of eight fantasy, children’s books and poetry
• Angela Yuriko Smith, Holt, author of 15 books in young adult horror, non-fiction, children’s books and poetry.
• AK West, Crestview, author of “Finding Freedom”
• DV Wilson, Shalimar, author of “The Green Tunnel”

The authors will be available to sign books, answer questions, and discuss their work.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview author meet-and-greet scheduled

CRESTVIEW — Four years ago, Crestview resident Shirley Perring wrote a letter to a dozen manufacturers asking for a walk-in tub for Crestview Manor on Pearl Street.

She described the bathing conditions as “something out of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.’” She added that residents at the low-to-no-income assisted living facility were playing bingo for toilet paper because funds were so scarce.

Nashville-based Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co., was the only manufacturer that replied. The company’s founder, Mike Duffer, donated two hydrotherapeutic tubs, due to the number of residents, and he decided to donate toilet paper for life at the facility. Duffer and his PR agency’s president, Derek Farley, have made numerous visits to Crestview to meet with the Manor’s facility director, Becky Brice Nash, and Perring.

Recently, Perring’s daughter, Ronda, asked if she could arrange a donation: a walk-in shower for her mother, who has spent her entire life giving while never asking for something herself. Duffer immediately approved the request and Farley coordinated a scheme that would keep Shirley out of the house for six hours while the tub was being installed.

“Shirley is the very heartbeat of Safe Step Cares,” a media release from the company stated. “She is the poster person for the philanthropy; and when we heard that she could use an assist herself, giving her a shower was one of the quickest decisions in company history.”

Farley met Perring for lunch after a few bogus meetings were created by her company, Jackson Hewitt, who knew about the plan.

Farley and Perring said their goodbyes in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel and then Farley raced to the Perring residence, where Ronda, daughter Sinder and husband Don were waiting.

When Perring entered her home, she yelled, “What is Derek’s rental car doing next door?” and “I can still smell his cologne.”

Busted, Farley tried to backpedal and say he just wanted to meet her husband and daughters. But it was too late, as Farley’s agency video guru John Deaver, had the cameras rolling. An installer was spotted and then Farley led her to the bathroom, where Perring broke down in tears upon seeing her new walk-in shower.

“This is beyond amazing,” she said. “Mike Duffer, Stuart (Hall, Safe Step CFO) and Derek are angels on earth. They restore my faith in companies, they restore my faith in humanity.”

Farley also visited Crestview Manor, treating the residents to pizza for lunch, which he delivered himself.

“I’m just a proud messenger with the greatest PR gig in the world,” he said. “Mike and Stuart give me the opportunity to play Superman but they are the real superheroes.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'They restore my faith in humanity'

Nearly 450 Aspen Dental practices will open their doors on Saturday, June 24 to provide free dental care for thousands of veterans across the nation as part of the Healthy Mouth Movement. 

The Healthy Mouth Movement is a community giving initiative launched by Aspen Dental in 2014 to deliver free dental care and oral health education to people in need across the United States. In the past three years, over 7,000 Aspen Dental team members volunteered their time and talents to deliver $7.6 million in free dental care to over 12,000 patients in need.  

Of the more than 21 million veterans across the U.S., fewer than 10 million are enrolled for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health benefits, which for many does not include dental care, because the VA only provides dental benefits to veterans who are classified as 100 percent disabled, have been a prisoner of war, or have a service-connected dental condition or disability.

The following Aspen Dental locations will provide these services from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 24:  

• 3716 Airport Blvd., Mobile
• 4873 US-90 Suite A, Milton 

The following Aspen Dental locations will provide these services from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 24:  

• 2670 S Ferdon Blvd #108, Crestview
• 1156 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville 

Visit www.HealthyMouthMovement.com for more information, or call 1-844-AspenHMMto schedule an appointment at a participating office in the area.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Aspen Dental to provide free services for veterans

NICEVILLE — The Costa Leadership Institute at Northwest Florida State College, in partnership with the Crestview, Destin, Niceville-Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach chambers of commerce, honored 41 Okaloosa County professionals during a graduation celebration at the Emerald Grande to celebrate their completion of the 2016-2017 Leadership Okaloosa program.

The 2017 Leadership Okaloosa graduates include: John Anderson (Okaloosa Clerk of Courts and Comptroller), Matt Baltz (The Manor at Blue Water Bay), Nicholas Berry (United States Air Force), Renea Black (Early Learning Coalition), Ashley Breihan (Northwest Florida State College), William Cartier (Okaloosa Gas District), Susan Cassady (Okaloosa Clerk of Courts and Comptroller), Elizabeth Chestnut (Greater FWB Chamber), Doris Coffee (Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office), LeAnn Collins (Best Western), Kyle Cox (Okaloosa Gas District), Robin Donlon (BBVA Compass), Carrie Ely (Gulf Power Company), Bernita Everett (First City Bank), Gemini Fisher (CCB Community Bank), Effie Hannie (Carr, Riggs and Ingram, LLC), Nicole Hanson (Okaloosa Gas District), Grace Hartness (Carr, Riggs and Ingram, LLC), Stefan Hoffer (Matthew and Jones, LLP), Gregory Hotaling (U.S. Army Retired, 7th Special Forces), Kerrianne Jensen (Baskerville-Donovan, Inc.) and Jay Jones (Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office).

Also: Denise Kendust (Fort Walton Beach Medical Center), Glenn Langan (Gulf Power), Denise McKinion (CHELCO), Amanda Negron (Total Parts Plus), Nikki Owen (The Arc of the Emerald Coast), Mark Pzinkski (Emerald Grande at Harbor Walk Village), Joseph Quilit (Rocky Bayou Christian School), Ramsey Ross (Northwest Florida State College), Michelle Sanchez (Destin Commons), Karen Sterett (Chick-fil-A), Paul Stinebiser (FWB Chamber/New York Life), Bryce Trafford (Destin Area Chamber), Gary Venuti (Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office), Tracey Williams (Fresh Start for Children and Families), Lena Williams (World Impact Real Estate), Abner Williams (World Impact Real Estate), Sandra Wilson (Crestview Area Chamber), Nathan Wolbert (Warren Averett) and Crystal Yeabower (Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber).

The Costa Leadership Institute is currently accepting applications for the 2017-2018 Leadership Okaloosa program. This nine-month program is designed to enhance the participant’s network and leadership skills, offering 25 hours of leadership development training and tours of Okaloosa County. The class meets once a month from September to May, during which participants receive classroom training from an expert instructor and are given opportunities to interact with various key community leaders throughout the process.

A highlight of the program is a two-day trip to Tallahassee for the Legislative Day meetings. Tours of Okaloosa County include Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, Valparaiso, Northwest Florida Regional Airport, Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base, providing participants with an understanding of the community.

Additionally, each participant takes part in a group project with a focus on city and county government, offering the opportunity to demonstrate public speaking, presentation, time management and team building skills learned throughout the program.

Tuition for the Leadership Okaloosa program is $950 and applications are due by Aug. 15. For more information contact the Costa Leadership Institute at 729-6880 or email Leadership@NWFSC.edu. Applications are available online at www.nwfsc.edu/LI.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Leadership Okaloosa graduates 41 community leaders

CRESTVIEW — Need help or want to volunteer for a worthy cause? Here are some local services and organizations for consideration. 

SENIORS VS. CRIME VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Seniors vs. Crime Crestview office, which assists senior citizens of whom someone scammed or took advantage, needs help. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8. To volunteer, contact Office Manager Sheila Parish, 306-3176, or Region 5 Deputy Director JB Whitten, 813-489-5657. Contact 306-3176, www.seniorsvscrime.com or 800-203-3099 for help.

REPORT ELDERS ABUSE: Call the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873) if you suspect elderly friends and neighbors are being abused. Many elders may suffer from financial exploitation, neglect or physical or emotional abuse, often caused by family members. The NFAAA is a private, non-profit agency supported by the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Florida General Revenue Fund through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Gwen Rhodes, 494-7100 or rhodesg@nwflaaa.org

UWF ACADEMIC ADVISING: The University of West Florida offers assistance with admissions, academic and degree advising and registration in Crestview. Contact Deborah Cluff, 863-6550, to schedule an appointment for first Thursdays at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1446 Commerce Drive.

HOMELESS ASSISTANCE: Need help? Contact the Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care, 409-3070, www.okaloosawaltonhomeless.org; Opportunity Inc., 659-3190; or Helping Hands of Crestview, 428 McLaughlin St., behind First United Methodist Church. Helping Hands is open 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Tri-County Community Council, 290 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. 306-1134.

CRESTVIEW SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: Serves Mondays through Saturdays. To volunteer at Central Baptist Church, call 682-5525; Our Savior Lutheran Church, 682-3154; LifePoint Church, 682-3518; Community of Christ, 682-7474; First Presbyterian Church, 682-2835; or First United Methodist Church, 682-2018.

FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-3:30 p.m. Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to noon second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 247 S. Booker St., Crestview. Free items include shoes and other accessories. Presented by Concerned Citizens of Crestview. Details: 689-1582 or 428-6997.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR NEEDY RESIDENTS: 9 a.m. second Saturdays, 383 Texas Parkway, Crestview. Dry goods and fresh produce available while supplies last. Hosted by House of Restoration, a partner agency of Feeding the Gulf Coast. Details: Ruby Chatman, 398-0577.

WOMEN AND FAMILY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND EDUCATION: a Crestview-based Community Drug and Alcohol Council program that helps pregnant women with substance abuse. 689-4024.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: Eligible low-income families can receive financial assistance through the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Apply at www.elc-ow.org. Hover over “Services” and click “School Readiness” to register.

FREE MEDICARE COUNSELING: By appointment, Crestview Public Library and Elder Services of Okaloosa County, in Crestview, 494-7101 or 1-866-531-8011.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY seeks Crestview area lots for families needing housing. 758-0779 or 315-0025.

VA VETERANS CRISIS LINE: Veterans in crisis, their families and friends can call 800-273-TALK (8255), and press 1 to talk with qualified, caring VA responders. Confidential. www.veteranscrisisline.net.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEEDS MENTORS: Adult volunteers spend two hours weekly mentoring children. Pairs go to the library, museum, park or beach, hike, roller-skate or play sports. 664-5437.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTERS: Group needs people to work in the Emergency Operations Center assisting county personnel. Contact: Yvonne Earle, 863-1530, extension 230.

FREE HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE DROPOFF: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Okaloosa County Recycling Office, 80 Ready Ave., Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa residents may drop off paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, used oil, gas, antifreeze, computers, televisions, fluorescent lamps, car batteries, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, solvents, aerosols and printers. The office is currently selling rain barrels for $65 and compost bins for $55.

MUSEUM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida seeks friendly, reliable volunteers to greet guests and answer phones in its gift shop 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Details: 678-2615, stop by 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, or email info@heritage-museum.org.

CARS NEEDED: Opportunity Inc. accepts donations of cars, boats and other vehicles to support Opportunity Place, an emergency shelter for families. Shelley Poirrier, 409-3070 or shelley@okaloosawaltonhomeless.org.

SHELTER HOUSE FINANCIAL SUPPORT: It costs just more than $100 a day to shelter a domestic violence victim. Every little bit helps. 683-0845.

DRIVE VETERANS to appointments at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Pensacola two days a month. Veterans Service Office, 689-5922.

VEHICLES NEEDED: Covenant Hospice accepts cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and RVs. Qualified professionals pick up vehicles from Pensacola to Tallahassee at convenience. Rachel Mayew, 428-0605.

LAKEVIEW CENTER'S FAMILIES FIRST NETWORK NEEDS BEDS for local children in protective services. Cribs and beds for children must be in good condition. 833-3840.

EMERALD COAST HOSPICE seeks volunteers in a number of areas, from administrative help to offering support to a hospice patient through visits or weekly phone calls. Details: Ann O’Connor, 689-0300.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County services calendar

CRESTVIEW — Here’s a calendar of upcoming events in North Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. 

VETERANS JOB FAIR: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 24, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Free DAV and RecruitMilitary event for veterans, soon-to-be civilians, National Guard and Reserve members, and their spouses. Companies include Lockheed Martin, First Command Financial Planning, GardaWorld, Universal Studios, Air Force Reserve, L-3 Technologies, MacAulay-Brown and Vinnell Arabia. See updated list of all exhibitors, and RSVP your attendance at http://bit.ly/2pF3xZg.

HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS: Crestview High School Hall of Fame nominations are sought. Nominees must have graduated at least 10 years ago and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and athletic accomplishments. All submissions must include verifiable information.  If possible, supply the nominee’s contact information. You may resubmit previous nominations for consideration. May 26 is the application deadline. File applications with CHS’s front office or email them to Coach Tim Hatten, tim.hatten@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us, or Chris Moore at tcbjmoore@cox.net.

MAY DAY PARADE: 10 a.m. May 27, with line-up at 9 a.m. at the Carver-Hill Center, 461 School Ave., Crestview.

MOTORCYCLISTS MEMORIAL DAY RIDE & CEREMONY: 11 a.m. May 29, Niceville City Hall. Vietnam/Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club Chapter Z will precede the event with a ride from Bayou Plaza, John Sims Parkway, Niceville, to the Fallen Soldier Monument at the hall. After the ceremony, the day continues at the American Legion Post 221, Niceville. Free event includes cookout with hot dogs and hamburgers, music and a 50-50 drawing.

DRONE PRESENTATION: 10:30 a.m. June 6, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Mario Werth gives the library’s First Tuesday Talk on the versatility of drones, especially in the areas of agriculture and real estate. Werth’s drone exhibit is in the library's lobby display case through June 30. Doors open at 10 a.m., refreshments served. 682-4432.

PEANUT PRODUCERS SCHOLARSHIP: The Florida Peanut Producers Association will award two $1,200 scholarships to high school seniors and/or college students in 2017. The applicants or one of their family members must be actively producing peanut growers, not necessarily a member of the FPPA. Award recipients should attend a Florida junior college or four-year university. Winners receive $600 each. The remaining $600 is awarded after the completion of one semester and documentation of passing grades is submitted. Details: 526-2590. Deadline: July 1.

CRESTVIEW HIGH CLASS OF 1977’S 40-YEAR CLASS REUNION: 6 p.m. July 15, Warriors Hall in Crestview. “We are searching for classmates that we have lost contact with,” an event organizer said. “If you haven't already received information about the reunion, contact Sharry, krustin@cox.net." Tickets must be purchased in advance.

SISTER CITY FRANCE TRIP: The Crestview Area Sister City Program welcomes residents to join the Sept. 7-18 journey to Noirmoutier, France. Participants stay with host families in this immersive cultural and educational experience. They must join the Crestview Area Sister City Program and assume responsibility for their own air travel arrangements to and from France. Dues are currently $20 per individual, $2 per full-time student, and $30 per family. Details: www.CrestviewSisterCity.org.

BAKER GATOR REUNION: Baker School Class of 1967 graduates seek classmates for their 50-year reunion Sept. 9 at the Baker Arena Community Center, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. Call 537-9191, 758-7966, 978-2135 or 978-1974 for details.

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL: 2 p.m.  May 25, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION:

• 8:30 a.m. June 6, Crestview City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.
• 8:30 a.m. June 20, Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

MA-CHIS LOWER CREEK INDIAN TRIBE OF ALABAMA GENERAL MEETING: 1 p.m. June 10, 64 Private Road 1312, Elba, Alabama. GPS users can enter 2950 County Road 377, Elba, Alabama. Agenda: Low Income Home Energy Program, summer cooling, 2018 plans, Community Service Block Grant plans, scholarships, WIA Pow Wow, a new program for rental housing and guest speakers. At 4 p.m., there will be the Annual Little Green Corn Ceremony. Bring a covered dish. Details: Chief James Wright or Vice Chief Nancy Carnley, 334-897-3207, machis@centurytel.net or chiefjames@centurytel.net.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:

• 3 p.m. June 15, Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Drive N., Niceville.
• 3 p.m. July 20, Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Drive N., Niceville.
• 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Robert L.F. Sikes Center, Northwest Florida State College, 805 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.
• 3 p.m. Dec. 14, training room of the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

Meeting schedule and location are subject to change. For updates and agendas, visit www.wfrpc.org or emailtiffany.bates@wfrpc.org.

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: For chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. May 31, Synovus Mortgage (Coast Bank and Trust on Industrial Drive).Contact Richard Harless, ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com, for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What’s Happening in North Okaloosa County

Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.

CRESTVIEW — The Military Appreciation Recognition Celebration to salute service members and their families was held on Saturday at Spanish Trail Park on Stillwell Boulevard.

The event is sponsored every year on Armed Forces Day by the Military Appreciation Recognition Celebration Inc., a non-profit that raises funds for the occasion.

This year’s celebration was also held in memory of former MARC President and founder of the event Bob Lynn and Treasurer Retired Brigadier General Thomas Mark Stogsdill.

The event included games, free food, music, a petting zoo, and horseback rides.  Many military groups were represented at the Recognition Celebration.

Ben Griffith, commander of the 711 Special Operations Squadron at Duke Field, was there with his two young sons, Cai and Finn. 

“The mission of the SOS is to work with the Foreign Internal Defense Civil Affairs Unit, who work with agencies to help our partner nations with defense and development. We go all over the world to help legitimize foreign governments in the eyes of their civilian populations,” Griffith said. The 711 SOS is also part of the 919 Special Operations Wing, a reserve unit whose membership comprises mostly soldiers from Crestview.

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation was also represented at the celebration. The foundation has been in existence for 37 years. After the Iran Hostage Crisis, there was a rescue attempt of the hostages and the helicopter crashed. The United States lost eight Special Operations soldiers, five of whom were from Hurlburt, and three Marines. Seventeen children were left behind.

“The foundation was started to ensure that every child of a Special Operations individual in any branch who is killed in the line of duty has an opportunity to attend college. We cover the tuition and all expenses. There are over 1,200 kids being supported now,” said George Ferkes, U.S. Air Force Retired Colonel and Director of Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

The Eglin EOD was there with a response vehicle, a bomb suit and a robot. The 919th Special Operations Forces from Duke Field was also represented as well as the Crestview chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Coast Guard was there with a search-and-rescue boat.

The Emerald Coast Young Marines simulated the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima during World War II. The Young Marines include boys and girls from the ages of 8 until the end of high school. The group teaches leadership, discipline, teamwork and living a drug-free life.

The Military Appreciation Recognition Celebrations group handed out American flags, pins and fans, and sold raffle tickets for door prizes. The North Okaloosa Community Band played patriotic music. The Crestview Fire Department raised a huge American flag at the entrance to the park.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Celebrating our military

CRESTVIEW — Thursday night, Jack Foster Stadium saw Gators on the field for the first time in over a decade.

Baker Coach Matt Brunson and Crestview Coach Tim Hatten decided to bring back a rivalry that neither of them ever experienced during their coaching careers.

“We were really eager to play this game,” Hatten said, adding his players were happy to play against guys they played either with or against in middle school.

The Bulldogs got a 60-yard play on offense in their initial drive only for the Baker defense to hold them to three points.

The Gators answered back with a big play of their own and did their usual ground-and-pound the rest of the way to get a touchdown and take the lead.

Unfortunately for the Gators, Jayson Moore’s touchdown would be the only score for the Baker Varsity.

Crestview continued taking chunks of yardage in big plays, with Rod Bouchard’s arm making Hatten’s choice for replacing graduating quarterback Rusty Moorer — himself on the sidelines working the down marker — a little clearer.

The Bulldog defense also scored with a 95-yard pick-six.

By the end of the third quarter, the Bulldogs led Baker 38-7.

In the fourth quarter, the Junior Varsity squads faced off with Baker scoring a touchdown with the final drive of the game.

Despite the rout at the hands of Hatten’s deep, sizeable bench, Brunson isn’t worried about what his Gators have to look forward to in the fall.

“We’re going to be just fine in our league,” said Brunson, also complimenting Hatten’s team on their successful 2016 season.

Both coaches look forward to making this Yellow River Rivalry a regular spring exhibition in future seasons.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Yellow River Rivalry renewed