TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Vets feel at home for a day

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 12, 2009

LAND O' LAKES - More than 700 people attended a formal flag ceremony Wednesday in celebration of Veterans Day at Rotary Concourse Pavilion off State Road 52 near the Suncoast Parkway.

The event, coordinated by of St. Jude's Homeless Veterans Resource Center, offered meals and haircuts for homeless veterans and others needing assistance. There were inflatables and other activities for children.

There also were informational booths where the homeless could learn what services are available to them.

St. Jude's Homeless Resource Center was established about a year ago by Morson Livingston, a former Army chaplain who was injured during a tour in Bosnia.

"Everyone who came said it was so wonderful and nice," Livingston said. "But it's God's work, not my work. Sometimes, it's power beyond our control."

Livingston said more than 700 meals and almost 40 haircuts were given at the pavilion. Some meals were distributed to other homeless shelters and ministries, he said.

"A lot of shoes and clothes were given away, as well," Livingston said. "We had more than we expected."

Geoff Fox

Keyword: Veterans 2009, for more photos.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT