Who say’s there’s no such thing as a free lunch?
Certainly not CrossPointe Fellowship and the other island churches.
The second annual Community BBQ Honoring Veterans party is set for 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, on the grounds of CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and the community and military service veterans are invited.
Included in the celebration is a free barbecue lunch for all attendees, said CrossPointe’s pastor, the Rev. Ed Moss.
Sponsors of the event include CrossPointe, Anna Maria Island Community Center, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the Anna Maria Elementary School, Roser Memorial Community Church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, St. Bernard Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation.
Games for kids and adults will be held and music provided by Mike Sales, Emily Brier and Band and Manatee High School students.
U.S. Army veteran Dick Alvarez, commander of American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 in Bradenton, will be the main speaker. Alvarez served in Vietnam and lives in Holmes Beach.
“I am really looking forward to the event and certainly appreciate the efforts of everyone to make this happen,” he said.
Guest speakers include veterans who have disabilities resulting from their duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, and veterans who provide assistance to veterans with such injuries.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Juan Roldan is one of the speakers. He is a double amputee as a result of an explosion while on patrol in Sadr City, Iraq.
Army Staff Sgt. Joe Beimfohr lost both his legs while on duty near Baqubah, Iraq. He and his squad were making their way toward a suspected enemy observation position when they were attacked.
Also speaking is U.S. Navy Capt. Joe Ludwikowski, who served 26 years, including duty at the Pentagon. Ludwikowski is active in helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Another speaker is Rick Hamme, a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and an experienced counselor to combat veterans.
“Everything is free,” Moss said, adding that anyone who wants to bring a side dish or dessert to add to the menu of barbequed pork, chicken and hot dogs is welcome.
The event opens at 10:30 a.m. with the veterans beginning at 11 a.m.
For more information, call CrossPointe Fellowship at 941-778-0719.