35 cents
VOL. 4/ISSUE 19
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016
Thousands turn out for Indian River Youth Ranches BBQ
Vet throws first pitch
Mary Kemper STAFF WRITER
mkemper@veteranvoiceweekly.com
A huge crowd in the thousands flocked to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office grounds Feb. 2 for its annual Youth Ranches BBQ. Under partly cloudy skies, which kept everything cool, law enforcement members, veterans, family, friends and interested members of the public came to enjoy a day of good food and fun and interesting activities. There were static displays of fire trucks, police vehicles, and even Coast Guard ships for people to view and learn about. SWAT and K-9 demonstrations were presented by members of the Sheriff’s Office and other law-enforcement agencies. Tours were also given in the County Jail and 911 Center. The U.S. Forestry Service had a booth “manned” by a giant statue of Smokey Bear, towering over the grounds. There was a bounce house for the kids, as well as a petting zoo. “This is like one big Army amusement park,” one bright lad was overheard to say. Numerous veterans’ organizations manned booths as well, including one for the National Navy-UDT SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce. L.A., a former federal agent, and John Baughman
See YOUTH BBQ page 4
Mitch Kloorfain/chief photographer On March 7, U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era, Valentin Garcia of Port St. Lucie threw out the ceremonial first pitch to honor veterans and begin the spring training game between the Detroit Tigers and the New York Mets. The game was played at Tradition field in St. Lucie West.