Lee County honors 250 veterans in tribute ahead of America's 250th

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Lee County honored 250 local veterans in a powerful tribute as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

The ceremony brought together veterans from multiple generations, each representing a story of sacrifice and service. Col. Steve Epkins of the U.S. Army organized the event with a clear mission in mind.

"Every community should honor 250. So I went, that's my mission. Now, I'm going to honor 250 veterans in Lee County," Epkins said.

The event featured 250 handshakes and personal greetings from Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. Each veteran received individual recognition for their service to the country.

John Roberts, who served in the U.S. Navy, explained the depth of military commitment. "Men and women in the service have written a blank check, and that blank check goes all the way to death for them to defend our country and our privileges that we do have in this United States of America," Roberts said.

The ceremony united the community in recognizing those who served. Craig Alley, a Navy criminal investigator who was hired by the Army to work in Iraq, emphasized the unpredictable nature of military service.

"Keep up the fight. I was hired by the Army to go to Iraq as a Navy criminal investigator. So you don't know where your job is going to take you and what you're going to have to do, but with that [in] retrospect, just keep going. We appreciate you, we respect you," Alley said.

The honorees spanned multiple generations of service members. Ruth Bryan Blake, a World War II veteran, reflected on her decision to serve.

"It was during wartime… I had to do it," Blake said.

Military families also received recognition for their sacrifices. Kim Gaide, a Blue Star Mom whose sons served, now helps other military families navigate the challenges of having loved ones in service.

"What I went through when my sons were in… So I am the voice for the Blue Star Moms. I'm able to help them, help guide them," Gaide said.

Alley emphasized the crucial role military families play in supporting service members. "The support they give the member keeps them going, and I hope it gives them a sense of pride and a sense of a small entitlement, actually, because what they go through entitles them to a lot," Alley said.